Softball: Briar Woods Senior Kate Fowler to Play at Virginia

Special to VivaLoudoun.com

(May 11, 2010) - Briar Woods High School senior Kate Fowler has been offered a roster spot to play at the University of Virginia beginning next season. Fowler is the first Falcon in the program’s five-year history to commit to play at a Division I school.

“I am so proud of Kate for her hard work over the last few years,” said Briar Woods head coach Jennifer Traina. “She is our first player to play at the Division I level, and to be offered a spot at a school like the University of Virginia is a great opportunity for her. “

Fowler has enjoyed a strong career at Briar Woods. As a sophomore, she hit .378 with six doubles, two triples and 12 RBIs, and she posted a 7-7 record with a 2.33 ERA in the circle.

Last season, Fowler earned first-team All-Dulles District and second-team All-Region II honors after helping lead the Falcons to an 18-5 overall record and the program’s first-ever Dulles District Tournament championship and region playoff berth.

Fowler went 13-4 with a 0.75 earned run average, striking out 119 and walking just 18 in 111 2/3 innings. She tossed four shutouts and combined on three others, and she fired a one-hitter to lead the Falcons past Sherando 2-1 in the region quarterfinals.

At the plate, Fowler paced the Falcons with a .377 batting average with five doubles, two triples and one home run. She drove in 14 runs and also scored 14 runs.

As a senior this season, Fowler is hitting .383 with three home runs to go along with 17 RBIs and 14 runs scored. She is 6-2 with a 2.22 ERA in the circle.

“Last year, Kate pitched the second half of the season injured to support the team through the playoffs," said Traina. "She worked so hard over the last year on physical therapy so that she could be ready for this season. Obviously, the dedication paid off for her.”