HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. – Northern Kentucky University outfielder Zahrya McFarland was honored for her efforts during the 2016 season by being named to the All-Horizon League second team and Horizon League All-Freshman team, the League office announced on Tuesday.
 
McFarland, a freshman from Downers Grove, Illinois, was one of three players to start all 53 games for the Norse in 2016. She led the Norse this season with a .282 batting average, 14 doubles, two triples and 13 stolen bases in 14 attempts. Her 42 hits and 25 runs scored ranked second on the team.
 
The freshman posted seven multi-hit games, including three-hit efforts against Oakland on March 26 and Morehead State on April 5. McFarland was strong defensively as well, picking up seven assists from the outfield and turning a double play against Chattanooga on Feb. 28.
 
"I am happy for Zahrya and this great honor," said head coach Kathryn Gleason. "She came in and led us in batting average at all different spots in the lineup throughout the season. She played and started in all 53 games this season, and had a tremendous impact on our team on the field as just a freshman in center field. I know it is an honor for her to be acknowledged by the Horizon League coaches.  "
 
The Norse finished the 2016 season with a 13-40 overall record and a 5-18 mark in Horizon League play, setting new season highs for wins both overall and in conference in the Division I era.

2016 HORIZON LEAGUE ALL-LEAGUE SOFTBALL TEAMS
First Team
Erica McNew, Cleveland State (Sr., C/1B)
Katelind Phillips, Cleveland State (Sr., UTL)
Sarah Hartley, Oakland (Sr., SS)
Laura Swan, UIC (Sr., 1B)
Elaine Heflin, UIC (Jr., P)
Lexi Watts, UIC (Fr., CF)
LaRi Mitchell, UIC (Sr., LF)
Becka Peterson, Wright State (RS Jr., SS)
Honna Susor, Wright State (So., OF)
Ashley Sharp, Wright State (So., P)
Miranda Castiglione, Youngstown State (Sr., 3B)
Cali Mikovich, Youngstown State (So., OF)

Second Team
Jordan Manno, Detroit (Fr., 2B/SS)
Christa McGahuey, Detroit (Sr., DP/P)
Acacia Tupa, Green Bay (Fr., OF)
Zahrya McFarland, Northern Kentucky (Fr., OF)
Haley Zemmer, Oakland (So., P)
Brittney Miller, Oakland (Fr., 3B)
Skylee James, UIC (Fr., SS)
Tiana Mack-Miller, UIC (So., 3B)
Taylor Weissenhofer, Valparaiso (Sr., P)
Carly Trepanier, Valparaiso (Fr., 2B)
Vivi Marquez, Wright State (Jr., UT/DP)
Sarah Down, Youngstown State (Jr., OF)

All-Freshman Team
Riley Ries, Cleveland State (C)
Jordan Manno, Detroit (2B/SS)
Acacia Tupa, Green Bay (OF)
Zahrya McFarland, Northern Kentucky (OF)
Brittney Miller, Oakland (3B)
Lexi Watts, UIC (CF)
Skylee James, UIC (SS)
Carly Trepanier, Valparaiso (2B)
Paige Geanangel, Youngstown State (P)

Player of the Year: Erica McNew, Cleveland State
Pitcher of the Year: Elaine Heflin, UIC
Freshman of the Year: Lexi Watts, UIC
Coach of the Year: Michelle Venturella, UIC