Gannon University Athletics

Benz returns as one of Gannon’s starting pitchers in 2016 … enters her senior campaign 12th all-time at Gannon since 2000 in complete games (10), 13th in appearances (31) and 13th in games started (15).

2015: Was one of three Lady Knights on the Gannon pitching staff, making 13 appearances with five starts … named a Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Scholar-Athlete … received the NCAA Division II Athletics Directors Association (ADA) Academic Achievement Award … earned her first victory of the season with four innings of relief during a 4-2 victory against Cedarville at the National Training Center (NTC) Games in Florida … allowed only one run against the Yellow Jackets … won three of her first four decisions … secured her second victory during a 10-9 eight-inning win against Georgian Court, coming out of the bullpen to retire the only two batters she faced … followed with six relief innings during the second game that day, resulting in a 4-3 victory against Wheeling Jesuit … allowed one run on three hits while striking out a season-high four against the Cardinals … had her only three official plate appearances of the season against Wheeling Jesuit … drew her first two career walks against Cedarville … scored her first career run as a pinch-runner at Mercyhurst … surrendered one earned run or less during seven of 13 appearances.

2014: Made 15 appearances, starting nine ... named a PSAC Scholar-Athlete ... received the NCAA Division II ADA Academic Achievement Award … finished with a 4.62 ERA in 56 innings pitched ... tossed six complete games ... registered consecutive shutout against Winston-Salem State and Bowie State at the NTC Games in Florida ... picked up a save against Winston-Salem State, striking out a batter and allowing one hit ... earned a win with five innings of work against Bowie State, surrendering three hits and no runs ... struck out a season-high five batters and allowed only one earned run during a complete-game victory against Edinboro that clinched the PSAC Western Division's third seed in the conference tournament.

2013: Played in five games as a true freshman, making three pitching appearances and pinch hitting twice … named a PSAC Scholar-Athlete … earned National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) Scholar-Athlete honors ... made her collegiate debut as a pinch hitter during an 11-4 victory against the University of Mary, recording her first career hit and RBI in the process … took the mound for the first time against Lynn (Fla.), tossing 1 2/3 scoreless innings of relief … picked up her first career victory with four innings of work against Bethel during her first career start, allowing three runs on four hits during a 5-4 victory … added two scoreless innings of relief against Bloomsburg at the PSAC Tournament … allowed only one of seven lead-off hitters to reach base.

High School: Played for head coach Doug Webster at Mount Mercy (N.Y.) Academy … was a four-year varsity starter … named to three consecutive All-Catholic first teams … named team MVP as a sophomore, junior and senior … secured All-Western New York second-team honors as a sophomore … was a two-time all-state selection as a junior and senior … named Monsignor Martin League MVP and Pitcher of the Year as a senior … served as a team captain during her senior campaign … named to the Immaculata All-Tournament team twice, being crowned tournament MVP as a sophomore … finished as the runner-up in conference MVP voting as a sophomore and junior … named Mount Mercy’s Most Improved Player as a freshman … was a two-sport athlete, playing golf every year during her high school career … served as a golf team captain during her junior season … received the coach’s award as a junior … named a Buffalo News All-Western New York Scholar-Athlete … helped Mount Mercy win the Monsignor Martin League Championship en route to a New York State Catholic High Schools Athletic Association second-place finish as a junior … was part of back-to-back Immaculata Tournament championship teams as a freshman and sophomore … received the Clarkson University Leadership Award and the New York State Regents Diploma with Advanced Designation and Honors … was a member of the National Honor Society and honor roll … earned Mount Mercy McAuley Scholar accolades.

Personal: Sport and Exercise Science major … is a member of the Gannon honor program, Gannon Dean’s List, Lambda Sigma Honor Society and Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society … has one sister and one brother … is the daughter of Barb and Jeff.