KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee softball starting catcher Ally Shipman was named to Softball America’s Preseason All-America team, the outlet announced on Monday. The junior was recognized as a member of the 13-player second team.
Before the 2020 season was halted, and ultimately cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic, Shipman looked to have a breakout year. Shipman, who started all 23 games last season, underscored an impressive season with her play during the Tennessee Invitational, tallying 12 hits in 16 at-bats for a .750 average, recording 3-plus hits in three of UT’s five outings. She also concluded that weekend with four extra-base hits and six RBIs.
Despite a shortened season, the Valencia, Calif., native quickly returned to form from a season-ending injury in 2019, to co-lead the 2020 Lady Vols with a .403 batting average, seven doubles and a pair of triples. She also recorded 25 hits, two dingers and 16 RBIs.
Shipman’s efforts have garnered significant preseason notoriety with the catcher being named to the D1Softball Preseason All-America second team as well. She was also ranked the No. 13 junior and the No. 37 overall player by Softball America recently.
The 23rd-ranked Lady Vols open their season this Friday at the Kickin’ Chicken Classic in Conway, S.C. against Ohio at 9:30 a.m. ET.
Look at the full list of SA’s Preseason All-Americans HERE.
-UT Athletics
