Richard earns honors at Alabama Southern

Submitted by admin on Mon, 06/09/2008 - 22:06
CROWLEY

CROWLEY – Former Crowley High standout Crista Richard is making waves on the collegiate level, earning some pretty hefty honors in her first year at Alabama Southern Community College.

Richard was recently named to the ACCC (Alabama Community College Conference) All-Conference first team in a league that consists of seven teams. She also earned first-team honors on the All-Region first team which selects just 10 players from 17 teams state wide.

“Crista just had a phenomenal year for us,” said Alabama Southern coach Elaine Covin. “She made All-Conference which was just voted on by the seven coaches in the south and then she made All-Region which was voted on by all the coaches statewide, so this was a biggie for her.”

The freshman center fielder had an outstanding year, going 73-for-173 in 57 games for a batting average of .422. She also posted a slugging percentage of .486 and totaled seven doubles, two triples and eight RBI while hitting second in the lineup.

In conference play, which consisted of 24 games, Richard hit .408 (31-for-76) with three doubles, two triples and three RBI. She also struck out just four times in 76 at bats.

“Crista knew she was a talented player when she left Crowley High, and it’s nothing that I’ve done, it’s just she’s finally realized what her potential is and how good she actually can be,” said Covin.

Richard was also stellar in the field, making just three errors in 147 chances. She recorded 127 putouts and 10 assists while boosting a fielding percentage of .979.

“Crista actually started out at shortstop in the fall, but her speed was just so amazing that I ended up moving her to the outfield and she just loved it,” said Covin. ““She’s one of those kids that wants the ball hit to her every time it’s pitched and she’s just an amazing player.

“I just can’t say enough about the kid because she’s so conscientious in all walks of life. She wants everything to go right and if it doesn’t go right, there’s always a smile on her face and she’s like ‘that’s okay, coach, I’ll get it next time.”