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Florida Tech’s Freshmen Shine on the All‑SSC Second Team
The Knights didn’t just crop up in the headlines – they lit up the lineup. With Chloe Fariello, Malaya Nelson, and Haley Rider snagging All‑Sunshine State Conference spots, the program celebrated a historic first: three freshmen in the same season. Talk about a sophomore‑summer break you never saw coming!
Chloe Fariello: Utility Monster & Soon‑to‑Be‑Hall‑Of‑Famer
- Played first base, left field, and pitcher – you’re asking the same girl to field a rookie huddle and deliver a shut‑out?
- Started all 51 games, hit .311 with 31 runs and a first‑ever home run – because newbies should still get that sweet pop.
- Base‑stealing wizard: 23‑for‑24 attempts, top‑10 in the conference. Tweaked the rivalry with a 2‑soft ’23‑point blank’ steal combo.
- In the cookie jar of pitchers: 17 scheduled, 11 starts, 5 complete games, 2 shutouts, 2 saves, 34 K’s in 60 innings.
- Named SSC Pitcher of the Week – 1‑0 shut‑out against rank‑3 Tampa. And field‑craft? .952 FG%.
Malaya Nelson: Outfielder of the Year – and of the Day
- Bottom‑liner spark: .338 overall, .375 in conference play – the “run‑scorer” has got a secret sauce.
- Runs 23, 4 doubles, 2 HRs, 23 RBI, 11 steals in 48 starts.
- Multi‑hit, multi‑storm: 11 games with 2+ hits, and even 3‑for‑3 shines. That’s the kind of thing that makes the fanpage memes.
- Field‑time perfection: 1.000 FG%, 55 chances, 53 putouts, 2 assists. The ball’s hit by her, but it’s her glove that tells the story.
Haley Rider: The Freshman Powerhouse
- Batting .378 – that’s the kind of average that makes scouts check your Instagram for the next glimpse.
- Stat splash: 4 triples, .597 slugging, .432 OBP – .378 is 7th in the conference, slugging is 2nd.
- Hits: 17 runs, 6 doubles, 4 home runs, 22 RBI – this is the “human calculator” you didn’t know you needed.
- The magic number? 1.029 OPS. In program lore, that’s the 4th highest season OPS ever – dawn; fresh under the UV rays, but already a legend in the works.
Freshman Fever and Future Glory
That all‑conference lineup of 2025 is nothing short of a “double first‑semester” – it’s the program’s first time hitting three freshmen onto the All‑SSC Team at once. Anyone else wanted a fresh take on a freshman? These three will be The subject of a future Hall of Fame “Tri‑Newbie” trophy – we’re already drafting the cardboard design.
Saluting Their Starting Marathon
It’s not just about performance. They outlived the season; 51 games each. So if you’re a fan who keeps an eye on the scoreboard, you can see the story unfold: rookie enthusiasm, powerhouse stats, and a touch of classful swagger. Boo‑rooks ready? The Panthers let’s get ready – you’re steeled with triple instincts: “Play ball!”
Hot Off the Press!
April 28, 2025
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