LOUISVILLE — As just announced by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association, Saint Mary's freshman phenom third baseman Sam Buckley has been named one of the 25 finalists for the NFCA D1 Freshman of Year. Buckley is the lone WCC Student Athlete to make this distinguished list and is the first ever Gael to be a finalist for this award.

A true freshman out of Burbank, California, Buckley's numbers have been astonishing in her freshman campaign. The leading hitter in the WCC, Buckley boasts a 0.392 batting average, which would be seventh best in single season program history, if the season ended today. She is one triple away from tying the SMC single season record for three baggers, and also leads the team with 28 RBI, 23 walks, a 0.530 on-base percentage and a 0.711 slug. The true freshman has started every game for the Gaels this season, helping them to 23 wins in their first 40. With 12 games left in the regular season, the Gaels are just eight games shy of setting a new single season wins record, and Buckley is a big reason why. 

Sam and the Gaels will be in action for a four game series this weekend, taking on the Santa Clara Broncos on the road. 

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