By Robert McKinney, Athletics Communications Director, (503) 370-6110

SALEM, ORE. -- Center fielder Myranda Ramirez (Jr./So., Sunnyvale, CA/Homestead HS) of Willamette University has been selected for First Team All-West Region honors by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association for the 2015 season. Ramirez was one of 15 NCAA Division III players chosen for First Team All-West Region recognition.

NFCA member coaches nominated and voted for the All-Region teams. In the West Region, a total of 45 players were honored, with 15 each on the First Team, Second Team and Third Team.

Ramirez was named Northwest Conference Softball Player of the Year at the end of the regular season. Joining her as a First Team All-West Region selection from the NWC was Montana McNealy of Linfield College, who was this year's NWC Softball Pitcher of the Year.

Willamette went 15-9 in its final 24 games this spring to finish the season with a 16-22 record, including 13-15 in the NWC (6th place). The Bearcats were 9-5 in their last 14 games in conference play.

First Team All-West Region

Myranda Ramirez (Jr./So., CF) earned First Team All-West Region honors after being named First Team All-NWC as well as NWC Player of the Year. She led the conference with a .500 batting average (53 of 106) to rank second all-time at Willamette, trailing only Nikki Franchi ('09), who hit .518 (57 of 110) in 2008.

Ramirez ranks fourth all-time at Willamette with a .530 on-base percentage this season. She is fifth all-time with a .660 slugging percentage for the Bearcats this year.

During the season Ramirez scored 29 runs for the Bearcats, contributed 26 RBIs and stole 13 bases. She played in 37 of 38 games and had 32 starts. She pounded out nine doubles, one triple and two home runs. On defense, she registered 43 putouts and contributed one assist.

In two seasons at Willamette, Ramirez has achieved a .407 career batting average, while playing 72 games with 61 starts. She has scored 54 runs and recorded 32 RBIs. She has been successful on 25 of 33 stolen base attempts.

Ramirez helped the Bearcats earn a .333 team batting average this year. Willamette scored 211 runs, with the Bearcats connecting for 91 extra-base hits on 66 doubles, 14 triples and 11 home runs.