UCLA pitcher Rachel Garcia was named the collegiate softball's freshman of the year Tuesday by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association/Schutt Sports, beating out finalists Kendyl Lindaman of Minnesota and Maggie Balint of Oregon.
The award was announced Tuesday at a banquet in Oklahoma City, site of the Women's College World Series.
Balint, a right-hander from West Grove, Pa., delivered a UO-leading 21 wins against three losses this season while helping UO qualify for its fourth Women's College World Series berth in the past six seasons.
As part of a three-pitcher rotation alongside classmate Miranda Elish and sophomore Megan Kleist, Balint has thrown 125 innings while striking out 151 with 36 walks.