MSU Billings Softball Receives Academic Honor (10/11/05)

BILLINGS, MT – The Montana State-Billings softball team has been named one of the top five NCAA Division II academic teams for 2004-2005 by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association.  The Yellowjackets had a cumulative team grade point average of 3.47 through the spring 2005 semester.

There were 46 teams with grade point averages over 3.00 in NCAA Division II last season.  Of those 46, nine had GPAs above 3.40 including the Yellowjackets.  MSU Billings has been in the NFCA’s national GPA rankings since the program started five years ago.  Lynn University (FL) led the nation last year with a 3.552 team grade point average.

Along with being successful in the classroom last season, the Yellowjackets enjoyed a great amount of success on the field.  One of the top offensive teams in the nation, the Lady Jackets qualified for the program’s first ever trip to the NCAA Tournament, finishing third at the NCAA West Regional.  The Yellowjackets—who graduated nine seniors—ranked ninth in Division II for home runs and twelfth for slugging percentage.

Of the top 10 academic teams in the nation, only the Yellowjackets and Lynn University qualified for the NCAA Tournament.  Lynn was the champion of the South Region and went on to capture its first National Championship.

Top 10 2004-2005 Scholar-Athlete Teams
1. Lynn University – 3.552
2. Grand Canyon University – 3.540
3. University of Findlay – 3.523
4. Bellarmine University – 3.505
5. Montana State University-Billings – 3.470
6. Augustana College – 3.447
7. University of Indianapolis – 3.441
8. Texas Woman’s University – 3.416
9. Minnesota State University-Mankato – 3.408
10. Lewis University – 3.390