
Photo by: Becca Sandlin
Kats well represented on All-CUSA softball teams
5/5/2026 1:01:00 PM | Softball
DALLAS — Sam Houston landed several student-athletes on the All-Conference USA softball teams after standout performances during the regular season.
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Leading the way was first base slugger Veronica Harrison, who was named CUSA Newcomer of the Year and to the first team. Catcher Bella Perez and freshman centerfielder Sophia Lundstrom were also first-team honorees, Tiffany Sanchez is a second-team pitcher while Peyton Helmly joins Lundstrom on the all-freshman squad.
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Harrison's arrival has immediately reshaped the Bearkat lineup. She has been nothing short of dominant, setting a new single-season program record with 17 home runs while leading the team in RBIs, walks, and slugging percentage with a .342 batting average. Across the conference, Harrison has established herself as one of the most feared hitters, ranking first in home runs and near the top in multiple offensive categories.
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Behind the plate, Perez has continued her ascent as one of the league's premier catchers. A preseason All-CUSA honoree, Perez has combined elite defensive control with consistent offensive production, having thrown out 42 percent of base runners without a passed ball or error. At the plate, she has elevated her game even further, ranking among the league leaders in hits, doubles, and RBIs while significantly improving her batting average from last season to .335.
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In the circle, Sanchez (11-9) has emerged as one of the conference's top pitchers. Her sophomore campaign has been highlighted by two Pitcher of the Week awards and a no-hitter to open conference play. She ranks among the league leaders in ERA at 2.80, strikeouts (105), opponent batting average, and wins, consistently limiting damage and keeping Sam Houston in games.
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Lundstrom has also made a major impact in her first season in the orange and white. As a Top 25 finalist for NFCA Freshman of the Year, Lundstrom has excelled in every phase of the game. She leads the team in batting average at .393, hits (72), runs, and doubles (16), while playing flawless defense in center field without committing an error.
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Another key contributor has been Helmly, who has provided a steady offensive presence as the designated player for most of the season. Known for her ability to get on base and drive the ball with power, Helmly leads the team in on-base percentage and hit-by-pitches while ranking among the conference leaders in slugging and OPS. Her production in conference play, particularly in home runs and RBIs, has been crucial to the Bearkats' success.
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Leading the way was first base slugger Veronica Harrison, who was named CUSA Newcomer of the Year and to the first team. Catcher Bella Perez and freshman centerfielder Sophia Lundstrom were also first-team honorees, Tiffany Sanchez is a second-team pitcher while Peyton Helmly joins Lundstrom on the all-freshman squad.
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Harrison's arrival has immediately reshaped the Bearkat lineup. She has been nothing short of dominant, setting a new single-season program record with 17 home runs while leading the team in RBIs, walks, and slugging percentage with a .342 batting average. Across the conference, Harrison has established herself as one of the most feared hitters, ranking first in home runs and near the top in multiple offensive categories.
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Behind the plate, Perez has continued her ascent as one of the league's premier catchers. A preseason All-CUSA honoree, Perez has combined elite defensive control with consistent offensive production, having thrown out 42 percent of base runners without a passed ball or error. At the plate, she has elevated her game even further, ranking among the league leaders in hits, doubles, and RBIs while significantly improving her batting average from last season to .335.
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In the circle, Sanchez (11-9) has emerged as one of the conference's top pitchers. Her sophomore campaign has been highlighted by two Pitcher of the Week awards and a no-hitter to open conference play. She ranks among the league leaders in ERA at 2.80, strikeouts (105), opponent batting average, and wins, consistently limiting damage and keeping Sam Houston in games.
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Lundstrom has also made a major impact in her first season in the orange and white. As a Top 25 finalist for NFCA Freshman of the Year, Lundstrom has excelled in every phase of the game. She leads the team in batting average at .393, hits (72), runs, and doubles (16), while playing flawless defense in center field without committing an error.
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Another key contributor has been Helmly, who has provided a steady offensive presence as the designated player for most of the season. Known for her ability to get on base and drive the ball with power, Helmly leads the team in on-base percentage and hit-by-pitches while ranking among the conference leaders in slugging and OPS. Her production in conference play, particularly in home runs and RBIs, has been crucial to the Bearkats' success.
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Players Mentioned
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