May 3, 2009

 

Senior Stacey Lajoie (Gardner, MA) was named to the Northeast-10 Conference Softball First Team, the Conference announced Saturday, highlighting a magnificent career for the centerfielder/catcher.

With the honor, Lajoie becomes a rare four-time NE-10 all-star, joining the likes of recent standouts as Laurie Tanguay (2005-08) to receive the honor four consecutive years.

The 2006 NE-10 Freshman of the Year, Lajoie earned First Team status in 2006, 2008 and 2009; and Third Team in 2007.

UMass Lowell struggled to a 10-31-1 record this season, including a 9-18-1 clip in the NE-10 (13th-place). Lajoie, however, batted .355 with 34 runs, 21 RBI, 16 stolen bases (in 17 attempts) and 15 walks.

Additionally, her three home runs this season enabled her to set the school record for home runs in a career (21), the mark formerly belonging to Tanguay.

She was at her best in UMass Lowell’s final nine games, hitting .433 with 15 runs, nine RBI and eight stolen bases as the River Hawks went 5-4.

“Stacey was in a tough situation because she was the only senior this year,” said Head Coach Harry Sauter. “She certainly was a team leader by example and really looked out for the younger kids too. It was a tough season, and I think she helped keep the younger players even-keeled. She was very positive about it. Her stats got better as the season moved on.”

Lajoie also leaves with the school record in games played (208) and is among the program’s top 10 leaders in a host of categories.

She was prominent among NE-10 leaders this season, ranking highly in many categories including runs (third), stolen bases (sixth), triples (tied for 7th, 2), on-base percentage (10th, .430), slugging (11th, .524) and batting (13th, .355).

Alternating between centerfield and catcher the last two years, Lajoie was as good a fielder as she was an offensive force. Somewhat lost in her offensive numbers was a sterling .984 fielding percentage with 101 putouts, 20 assists and two errors.

“This was certainly well-deserved and I expected it,” Sauter added. “Stacey is well known and respected throughout the Conference and respected for the level of her play.”

Lajoie also gave back to the UMass Lowell community, serving as the vice chair of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and assisting with various community service efforts.

A former standout at Gardner H.S., Lajoie is the daughter of Tim and Cynthia Lajoie of Gardner, MA.