Burke, Morrill, Nichols Voted to Softball All-GNAC Teams

WINTHROP, Mass. - The Regis College softball program placed three student-athletes on the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) All-Conference Teams, led by sophomore outfielder Bianca Burke's (Cambridge, Mass.) selection as Second Team All-GNAC. Senior infielder Kayla Morrill (Lynn, Mass.) and sophomore designated player Lexi Nichols (Granby, Conn.) were voted Third Team All-GNAC by the conference coaches.

Burke quickly embraced her role as the team's leadoff hitter, leading the Pride with a .392 batting average and setting the program's single-season records for hits with 49 and runs scored with 33. Among her 49 hits, Burke collected nine doubles and four triples, plus she drove in nine runs and collected a team-high 15 stolen bases, tied for fourth in the GNAC.

Recently named the Regis Co-Outstanding Female Sophomore Student-Athlete of the Year, Burke finished the season with 14 multiple-hit games, including a 4-for-4 performance with four runs scored in the second game of a doubleheader sweep over Fisher April 12. In conference play, she batted .432 (19-for-44) with three doubles, three triples, and 11 runs scored.

"Bianca has flourished in her role as a leadoff for us this year," head coach Ellie Adams said. "She is a spark in our lineup and makes things happen both on offense and defense. Her work ethic is unmatched."

Morrill enjoyed her best season offensively for the Pride in 2023, batting .340 with 33 hits, including five doubles, plus she drew 14 walks, scored seven runs, and earned 12 RBI. On March 8 in South Carolina, Morrill went 6-for-6 against Penn State-Abington and Rosemont with a double and three RBI. In addition, Morrill went 3-for-3 in the second game of the doubleheader against GNAC South leader Johnson and Wales. 

"Kayla bought in this year. She worked hard and was willing to do whatever was best for the team. Not only was she a tough out in the batter's box, but she was also very strong for us defensively in conference play," said Coach Adams.

In 32 games for the Pride this season, Nichols earned 14 hits, including two doubles, two triples, and two home runs, plus she scored 13 runs and drove in six runs. In conference play, Nichols led the Pride with a .682 slugging percentage, highlighted by two home runs in the second game of a doubleheader sweep at Dean April 15, believed to be the first time a Regis player hit two home runs in one game in 12 years.

"Lexi had a ton of big hits for us this season. She's a great athlete with some serious power and speed. She'll continue to do great things for the Pride," continued Coach Adams.

Senior catcher Alex Page (New Boston, N.H.) was selected to the GNAC Softball All-Sportsmanship Team after appearing in 19 games for the Pride in 2023. She finished the season with six hits and four RBI, including a 2-for-3 performance with two key RBI in the first game at Dean April 15.

"Alex is a great teammate who always has a smile on her face. She treats everyone with respect, and she has been such a pleasure to coach," added Coach Adams.

In Adams' first season as Regis head coach, the Pride improved upon their overall win total from the previous season and was in contention for a spot in the GNAC Tournament until the last day of the regular season.

Regis College sponsors 20 intercollegiate sports, including softball, within NCAA Division III as a member of the Great Northeast Athletic Conference.