Galloway, NJ – Stockton University softball teammates
Meg Murzello (Maple Shade/Holy Cross) and
Alexandra Cosenzo (East Hanover/Hanover Park) were recognized with all-region honors by the
National Fastpitch Coaches Association. Murzello was voted to the NFCA East Region First Team while Cosenzo received her second straight NFCA East Region Third Team accolade.
Murzello is the first Stockton player to be selected to the NFCA First Team since Samantha Horner in 2009. Cosenzo is the sixth Osprey ever to earn multiple NFCA all-region honors. The sophomore duo led Stockton to a 24-17 record and its third consecutive NJAC tournament berth.
Murzello was a key addition as a transfer from St. Francis (PA) who produced outstanding numbers in her first season at Stockton. The sophomore led the Ospreys in batting (.412), runs (39), hits (56) and on-base percentage (.467) while also contributing 25 stolen bases and 16 RBI. Murzello's run total was the third-best in a season ever at Stockton and her hit count was the fourth-best in school history.
Murzello, an NJAC Second Team selection, ranks tied for second in the conference in runs plus fourth in stolen bases, tied for fifth in hits, seventh in on-base percentage and eighth in batting average. She started all 41 games, beginning the season at shortstop and later moving to centerfield, and hit safely in 30 contests including 18 multi-hit outings.
Cosenzo manufactured a second straight exceptional season as the team's top power hitter and run producer. The first baseman broke her own school record with 42 RBI after setting the mark with 41 last year. Cosenzo started all 41 games and batted .391 with 50 hits to go with teams highs in RBI, doubles (10), home runs (6), slugging percentage (.609) and walks (15). Her season featured a 17-game reached base streak, 15-game hitting streak and 17 multi-hit games.
Cosenzo, who joined Murzello on the NJAC Second Team, stands tied for second in the league in home runs, third in RBI, sixth in total bases (78), eighth in slugging percentage and on-base percentage (.463), tied for ninth in walks and 10th in hits. Her second consecutive 50-hit campaign brought her career total to 100 hits in just two seasons. Cosenzo also upped her total to 15 home runs, already within one of the school record.
