University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Dignon and Card Garner ECAC All-Star Accolades
6/20/2008 12:00:00 AM | Softball
June 20, 2008
PITTSBURGH—Following an impressive season full of firsts, Jessica Dignon and Samantha Card were named to the ECAC Softball All-Star second team, Wednesday afternoon. Dignon and Card became the first pair of Panthers to earn this distinction.
“This is another first for Pitt softball, head coach Michelle Phalen said. “Our program is better because of the efforts of these two student-athletes.”
Dignon (Pittsburgh, Pa/Baldwin), who recently signed to play professionally with the Washington Glory, is also Pitt’s first-ever three-time All-Big East selection after recording school records in single-season doubles (17) and runs scored (42).
The career leader in RBI (113) and doubles (45), Dignon played shortstop during the 2008 season.
“What a significant accomplishment and a great honor,” Phalen said. “We moved Jess from third base to shortstop and she was awesome.
“I am proud of the way she played and competed every day. I congratulate her on her efforts this year. She had a great career at Pitt, which was capped off by a fantastic senior season. She deserved this honor.”
Card (Miami, Fla./Our Lady of Lourdes/Florida International) batted clean-up for Pitt and blasted a career-high 12 home runs, drove in a team-leading 44 runs and boasted a .465 on-base percentage.
In her first season as the squad’s catcher, Card earned All-Big East first team honors after leading the team with a .444 batting average, 17 runs, 12 RBI and five homers in league play.
“I am so proud of Sam,” Phalen said. “She embraced a new role as the starting catcher on the team and inspired the play of those around her.
“I am proud of the way she competes every day and never settles for second best. She deserves this award because she is a determined player that works hard to get the most out of herself and her teammates.”
