Glendale, Ariz.- On Tuesday, the Golden State Athletic Conference announced the 2021 All-GSAC Softball Team and the 2021 GSAC Softball Gold Glove Team.  Sophomore Claire Buckley represented Arizona Christian Softball on both teams.

Head Coach Jimmy Gutierrez stated, "CONGRATULATIONS to our Firestorm shortstop Claire.  This amazing young lady continued to persevere through a season of uncertainty and kept herself in top condition and ready for game time.  When the first pitch was thrown, she never looked back.  As a coach, you can only pray to run across a player like Claire but to be a first year head coach and have her in your line up was such a blessing!  Thank you, Claire, you are a great example of what it means to always "Compete for Christ"  in season and out of season.  We are so very proud of you!"

Buckley, out of Clovis, CA, finished the regular season atop the GSAC with a .468 batting average.  In Golden State Athletic Conference action, the ACU shortstop hit a blazing .682 with two home runs.  Overall, she hit .468 with three home runs and 14 RBI and did not strikeout once in 79 at-bats on the season.

The highlight of her season was ending the year on a 12 game hitting streak.  During the streak, the back-to-back GSAC Player of the Week was locked in with a .651 average while connecting on all three home runs in those dozen games.  Her first home run of the season was also the first home run at the new ACU Softball Field.

Defensively, Buckley was selected as the shortstop on the GSAC Gold Glove Team.  Her 2.42 assists per game rank second in the GSAC.

Congratulations- Claire Buckley.