ASU Softball: Amber Freeman Tabbed As Pac-12 Player of the Year

One day after Dallas Escobedo was honored as the USA Softball Player of the Week, battery mate Amber Freeman received an even more prestigious award.

On Wednesday, Freeman was named the Pac-12 Softball Player of the Year after a phenomenal sophomore season that included 16 home runs and 58 RBIs.

The sophomore standout started all 55 games for the Sun Devils and spent the majority of her time behind the plate. Along with impressive offensive numbers, Freeman helped guide the Arizona State pitching staff to a collective 2.19 ERA on the season.

After hitting .346 as a freshman last season, Freeman improved her average to a team-leading .385 this year. Coach Clint Myers has notably called her home runs the "byproduct of a good swing," and Freeman had plenty of solid hacks this year.

Despite playing only two seasons in Tempe, Freeman has made her mark as one of the premier hitters in the country and figures to give her team a major boost in the upcoming Women's College World Series.

Freeman will catch for Sun Devil ace Dallas Escobedo, a fellow First Team All-Conference selection, as the Sun Devils take on San Jose State this Friday at 3 p.m. at Farrington Stadium.

Joining Freeman and Escobedo with First Team All-Conference honors on Wednesday was shortstop Cheyenne Coyle (.364, 19 home runs, 60 RBIs).

Other Sun Devils to receive recognition include Second Team All-Conference pitcher Mackenzie Popescue and Honorable Mention selections Alix Johnson, Bethany Kemp, Sam Parlich, Haley Steele, and Bailey Wigness.