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Rylee Lemos
Rylee Lemos

Softball

Ritz, Lemos Earn NFCA All-America Honors

Duo Has Led UCO To The Division II Championship Finals That Start Thursday

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – Central Oklahoma's Terin Ritz and Rylee Lemos were recognized as National Softball Coaches Association (NFCA) All-Americans during a Wednesday night banquet on the eve of the Division II Championship Finals.

Ritz was named to the First-Team unit at pitcher/utility for the second straight year, while Lemos reached All-America status for the first time as a Second-Team choice in the outfield. 

The dynamic duo has led the No. 4-ranked Bronchos to a 51-9 record heading into Thursday's first-round contest with No. 14 Pace at 5:30 p.m. (Oklahoma time). UCO is making its fifth Division II Championship Finals appearance and the second in three years.

"This is an incredible honor for Terin and Rylee and it's very well deserved," head coach Cody White said. "They both have incredible work ethic and a drive to be the best. And the best part is, they're even better people and amazing teammates."

Ritz will finish her career as one of the most decorated players in school history, with her name doting the record book in a number of categories. She is UCO's first-ever three-time Division II All-American, earning Third-Team honors in 2023 before garnering First-Team accolades the past two seasons.

The senior from Deer Creek High School in Edmond enters the final week of the season with a 23-4 record and 1.51 earned run average in the circle. She's completed 19 of 27 starts with 10 shutouts – ranked fifth in Division II – and has walked just 25 batters in 172.0 innings.

Ritz is also a lethal force at the plate as one of the nation's top power hitters. She's batting .412 with 18 doubles, 18 home runs and 77 runs batted in, ranking third nationally in RBI and sixth in homers.

Lemos ignites UCO's offensive attack from her lead-off spot in the lineup and carries a .394 average with 13 doubles, 11 homers, eight triples, 46 RBI and 20 stolen bases. She tops the team in hits (75) and runs (69), ranking fifth nationally in runs.

The junior from Oklahoma Union High School in South Coffeyville, Oklahoma was named MIAA Defensive Player of the Year and has been perfect in her left field spot while making a number of stunning catches.

 
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Players Mentioned

Rylee Lemos

#8 Rylee Lemos

OF
5' 6"
Junior
L/R
Terin Ritz

#99 Terin Ritz

P/1B
5' 8"
Senior
R/R

Players Mentioned

Rylee Lemos

#8 Rylee Lemos

5' 6"
Junior
L/R
OF
Terin Ritz

#99 Terin Ritz

5' 8"
Senior
R/R
P/1B
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