LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Redshirt freshman Matalasi Faapito was one of 30 finalists for the 2021 Schutt Sports / NFCA Division I National Freshman of the Year the NFCA announced Thursday afternoon. 30 athletes from 27 different universities made the list. The winner will be announced just prior to the 2021 NCAA Women's College World Series in Oklahoma City. 

A multi-purpose player for the Aggies, Faapito is having one of the best seasons in Aggie history. She currently leads the WAC in batting average (.431), hits (53), home runs (13) slugging percentage (.837), on-base percentage (.510) and total bases (103). Faapito is on pace to break Hoku Nohara's single-season batting average record of .429.

Faapito has also emerged as the Aggies' top pitcher this season. She tossed the first Aggie no-hitter in a decade on Apr. 16 against Tarleton State and is 6-0 in her last six appearances in the circle. Faapito's success in the circle and in the batter's box is unheard of at the Division I level. Faapito is the only player in the NCAA to hit at least 13 home runs and strike out 50 batters. Faapito is also just one of five freshman or redshirt freshman to hit at least 13 home runs this season.

Faapito and the Aggies return home tomorrow afternoon for a doubleheader against Utah Valley. First pitch is set for 3 p.m. at the NM State Softball Complex. 

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