Alexander, Gordon Named to Softball America's Preseason Top 100

HARRISONBURG, Va. – James Madison softball had two student-athletes named to Softball America's Preseason Top 100 on Monday, as both redshirt seniors Kate Gordon and Odicci Alexander were recognized.

Gordon checked in at #25, marking her second time in the Preseason SA Top 100, while Alexander was tabbed #69 in the rankings, appearing on the list for the third consecutive year.

The Dukes are the only member of the Colonial Athletic Association with a student-athlete to receive the preseason recognition.

Heading into the 2021 season, Gordon holds school record for career batting average (.421) and slugging percentage (.842). Prior to the 2020 season being cut short due to COVID-19, Gordon held an impressive .557 batting average, going 34-for-61 with six doubles and 10 home runs in just 19 games. The leadoff hitter broke the school record for career home runs with her eighth home run of the season and currently holds the record with 50 home runs.

Gordon is a two-time National Fastpitch Coaches Association All-American and VaSID Player of the Year. Prior to her senior campaign, Gordon was name to the 2020 Top 50 Watch List for USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year Award. She was named Louisville Slugger/NFCA Player of the Week during her senior campaign, along with earning a spot on the SA Shortened Season Top 100. The outfielder was named to the Softball America All-American Team her junior campaign, is a two-time NFCA All-Northeast Region First Team member, two-time All-CAA First Team member, two-time All- Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference Team and a three-time VaSID First Team All-State honoree.

Alexander returns to the circle for another season with the Dukes holding a 2.31 career ERA, the nineth lowest in program history. She also averages 7.16 strikeouts per game, the fourth most at James Madison. In the opening game of the 2020 season, the pitcher tossed 12 strikeouts against No. 17/19 Texas Tech, tying her career high.

At the start of the 2020 season, Alexander was named to the Top 50 Watch List for USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year Award. She is a two-time NFCA All-American and the 2019 ECAC Co-Player of the Year. She is three-time NFCA All-Region team member, two-time ECAC First Team, two-time All-CAA First Team, two-time CAA Player of the Year and named the CAA Rookie of the Year her freshman campaign. She was named USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Week during her junior season, while being earning both VaSID All-State First Team and Second Team honors twice as a Duke.

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