The Seminole Tribe’s Ava Nunez played a big part in a much-improved season for the Thomas University softball team in Thomasville, Georgia.

After finishing 11 games under .500 last year, Thomas turned things around with a 30-22 record this year and an appearance in the NAIA tournament. In a preseason poll, Thomas was picked to finish sixth in its conference, but instead finished second.

The team’s improvement coincided with a much better season for Nunez, whose batting average was 130 points higher compared to her sophomore year.

Nunez, the team’s starting third baseman, produced her best season with several career highs, including batting average (.265), hits (30), doubles (6) and a team-leading 18 walks. She tied for the team lead in sacrifice hits with seven. She also had 10 RBIs and hit one home run – the second of her career – April 26 against Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College.

In April, Nunez generated a solid stretch at the plate when she hit safely in nine of 12 games. In May, Thomas won its opening game at the NAIA tournament, but was eliminated with two straight losses.

Nunez completed her third season with the team. She is a graduate of Immokalee High School, where she was a standout pitcher.