Aug. 29, 2007

KIMBERLY, Wis. - National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) announced that former Villanova University softball standout Jackie Pasquerella (1998-2001) was named the recipient of the Nokona American Glove Award. Pasquerella received the award as the 2007 Defensive Player of the Year for her work at third base for the New England Riptide.

According to NPF, Pasquerella made many great plays at third base taking away multiple hits from opponents and played in 40 games without committing a single error. Her quickness, athleticism and agility are matched by few others. Not only is Jackie one of the finest third basemen in softball, she makes those around her better players through her encouragement and on-field leadership.

While at Villanova, Pasquerella was a four-time All-Northeast Regional Player as well as a four-time All-BIG EAST Team member. She finished the 1999 season ranked fourth in the country with a .470 batting average and still holds the career record at Villanova at .400. She also left her mark on the career stolen bases record ranking second with 79.

Along with her offensive output, Pasquerella was a defensive presence at VU still holding the career record for best fielding percentage for an infielder at .951.

NPF is a national women's professional fastpitch softball league. The league provides an opportunity for outstanding female athletes to compete at a professional level and gives younger players role models to look up to and a higher level to aspire to.