May 10, 2009

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. –

A pair of Kentucky softball players were named to the Southeastern Conference All-Tournament team it was announced. Junior shortstop Molly Johnson and freshman pitcher/designated player Rachel Riley were two of 11 players honored for their performances in the league tournament.

Johnson and Riley led Kentucky to its first ever post-season win when they teamed up to beat No. 7 Georgia, 2-0, on Thursday. Riley was the winning pitcher, throwing a complete game effort and allowing no runs. Johnson’s two-run home run gave Kentucky the only scores it would need to pull off the upset. Against Alabama, Riley had an RBI single and drove in Johnson as Kentucky took the first lead of the game before falling 2-1 to the Tide in eight innings.

For the tournament, Johnson hit a blistering .714 in the two games. That average included a perfect 4-for-4 day at the plate against the Tide. She had a double, a home run, two RBI and a stolen base to add to her performance.

Riley worked 11 innings over the two games. She yielded just one earned run and just seven hits against two of the league’s most potent offenses.

UK’s junior and freshman become the first Wildcats to ever earn All-Tournament team honors as they led UK into the semi-finals of one of the nation’s most competitive conference tournaments.

Kentucky will receive its tournament bid Sunday night as the NCAA will announce the 2009 field at 10 .m. ET.

Stay tuned to UKathletics.com for the most up-to-date information about the UK softball team.

2009 SEC All-Tournament Team

Molly Johnson, Jr., SS, Kentucky
Rachel Riley, Fr., P/DP, Kentucky

Erinn Webb, Jr., RF, Tennessee
Jen Lapicki, So., C/1B, Tennessee
Charlotte Morgan, Jr., U/P, Alabama
Lauren Parker, Sr., 2B, Alabama
Ashley Holcombe, Sr., C, Alabama
Aja Paculba, So., 2B, Florida
Kelsey Bruder, So., RF, Florida
Corrie Brooks, Jr., 3B, Florida
Kristina Hilberth, Sr., C, Florida

MVP: Kristina Hilberth, Sr., C, Florida