By Kyle Lewis

UWA Sports Information

SALEM, Va. – The University of West Alabama’s Valisha Fincher is one of 46 players from 36 different institutions to be named to the 2011 Louisville Slugger/NFCA Division II All-American Team.

The Association announced the team on Wednesday night at the NCAA Banquet of Champions in the Community Ballroom of the Salem Civic Center.

“I am really excited for Valisha. This is a well deserved honor for not only a great athlete, but also a great person,” head coach Will Atkinson said.

“She was arguably one of the most feared hitters in the Gulf South Conference and region.

“As a result she didn’t see many pitches to hit down the stretch, but when she did capitalized on them.”

Fincher, who is a third team selection, becomes the second All-American in program history following Kelli Hartley, who was tabbed Third Team Daktronics All-American in 2009.

“Obviously this accomplishment puts Valisha in an elite company, but it also speaks volumes about the direction that this program is heading and the progress that has been made,” stated Atkinson.

“Valisha will be just as successful off the field as she was on and we can’t wait to see her accomplish great things.”

The Tarrant native etched her name across the Tiger record book in her four seasons.

Fincher finished her career as the program leader in runs (177), slugging percentage (.727) and walks (137). She stands second in home runs with 44 and is third in batting average (.374), RBI (143) and total bases (352).

The three-time all-conference honoree is tied for fifth in stolen bases (44).

During her senior campaign, Fincher led the Tigers in slugging percentage (.815), on-base percentage (.571), runs (62), home runs (15), total bases (123) and walks (51). She also ranked among the top five in six offensive categories.

Fincher helped guide the Red and White to its first NCAA Division II Super Regional appearance in program history while posting a come-from-behind win over top ranked Alabama-Huntsville in extra innings. The Tigers claimed the South Two Regional crown by defeating nationally-ranked Rollins College and Tampa along with Arkansas-Monticello.