Zunic is selected All-NCAC

By John Kovach

The Hiram College shortstop from Canfield set a number of school records.

HIRAM — Stephanie Zunic, a senior shortstop for the Hiram College softball team from Canfield High, capped her senior season and four-year career with achievements, records and recognition.

Zunic batted a team-best .407 (64-for-158) to help Hiram to a school-record 27 victories (27-16 overall, 10-4 North Coast Athletic Conference) under third-year coach Kristin Tassey.

In the process she set three single-season school records –hits (64), doubles (17) and at-bats (158) which all led the NCAC — and was named to the National Fastpitch Coaches Association Division III All-Central Region third team.

She also was picked to the All-North Coast Athletic Conference team for the third straight year, including her second straight second-team selection.

In addition, Zunic was chosen as the NCAC tournament most outstanding player while helping the Terriers to their first NCAC tournament championship and berth in the NCAA Division III tournament.

Zunic also led the NCAC in plate appearances (172), was tied for first in doubles (17), ranked No. 3 in double plays fielded (12) and tied for No. 3 in runs (33). She also was No. 4 in total bases (84), and No. 5 in batting average (4.05).

Zunic shared the team lead in runs scored (33) and was second in RBIs (27).

Also a good runner and defensive player, she was 8-for-8 in stolen bases with a .961 fielding percentage, 79 putouts and 93 assists.

Zunic also set four career school records: hits (196), runs scored (104), doubles (55) and at-bats (543).

Her career batting average of .361 (196-for-543) is second-best in school history. She also ranks No. 2 in RBIs (91) and third in home runs (8), with 55 doubles and five triples.

In 2008 as a junior, Zunic made second-team All-NCAC and the NCAC all-tournament team.

In 2007 as a sophomore, she made All-NCAC honorable mention and the NCAC all-tournament team.

Also on the Hiram team is Jena Ervin, a sophomore and starting catcher from Canfield High who also played the outfield.

Ervin started 42 games and batted .276 (32-for-116) with eight doubles, 19 runs scored and 16 RBIs. She also was third on the team in walks with 14.

On defense, Ervin committed only two errors and had a .991 fielding percentage with 200 putouts and 26 assists.

The daughter of Jeff and Renee Ervin, Jena is majoring in psychology.

kovach@vindy.com