Oregon junior Lovena Chaput was named first-team ASA All-American after guiding the Stratford (CT) Brakettes to the 2006 ASA Women’s Major Fastpitch National Championship on Aug. 13 in Amherst, NY.
Chaput recorded three triples during the tournament. In the championship game against the Southern California
Sliders of Yoma Linda, Calif., Chaput hit a two-run single in the fourth inning to break open a 1-0 game. The Brakettes won 7-3 and Chaput finished with two singles and a walk in three plate appearances.
“We really pulled together as a team during the championships,” Chaput said in a University press release. “Everybody contributed and it is very low key in the summer leagues. Everybody plays because they love the game. There is no pressure on anyone. Everyone just loves to play the game.”
The Brakettes, who won all five games in the tournament, also won the 1984 national title – the last time the tournament was held in Amherst.
Four of Chaput’s teammates were named first-team as well.
Chaput led the Ducks in doubles (12), runs batted in (27) and slugging percentage (.486) last season. She was second in home runs (five) and sixth with a .277 batting average. She had a .967 fielding percentage, the best among starting outfielders on the team.