CAPE COD, MA - Rutgers softball standout Nikki Childress (Roanoke, VA) has been named as a 2003 Eastern College Athletic Conference All-Star. The junior was selected by ECAC Division I coaches as the first-team catcher.

Childress led the offense this season for the Scarlet Knights, finishing the season as the team leader in batting average (.417), slugging percentage (.704), on-base percentage (.468), runs scored (26), hits (48) and runs batted in (25). She was also tied for the lead in doubles (7) and home runs (8). Childress ended her first season with 81 total bases and a .985 fielding percentage and is currently third in the RU record book for highest single-season batting average as well as tied at first with the single-season home run record.

Childress’ numbers also ranked in the conference and the nation. She led the conference in both slugging percentage and on-base percentage and was second in batting average, ranking 11th in the NCAA as well.

“Hopefully I can do as well next season and continue to improve,” said Childress. “I’m pleased with my first season at Rutgers and am looking to get better and help the team succeed.”

The Rutgers softball team finished its season with a 26-23 overall record, including an 8-12 mark in the BIG EAST.