We have narrowed our list of 10 nominees to the 3 finalists for this year’s #FlamesNationPOY, based on your votes. Voting runs now through December 31st. Once we receive all your votes, we will name the 2015 Flames Nation Player of the Year!
Alex Close, baseball
Close was selected to the Big South All-Conference first team as an infielder for the 2nd time following the 2015 season. He finished the year with a .342 batting average, 46 RBIs, 40 runs, and 7 home runs. He led the Flames in batting average, hits, doubles, slugging percentage, and on base percentage. He also made 18 relief appearances as a pitcher, posting a 2-2 record with a 2.21 ERA and 6 saves. Close was selected as a catcher in the 26th round of the MLB Draft by the Kansas City Royals.
Ashley Rininger, women’s basketball*
Rininger has been selected to the first-team All-Big South team each of the past 2 years. She finished the 2014-15 season leading the team in scoring (12.3 ppg), rebounding (8.5 rpg), blocked shots (47), field goal percentage (50.7%), and double-doubles (10). Prior to the 2015-16 team, she was named the Big South’s preseason player of the year. Through the first 4 games of the 2015-16 season, Rininger leads the team in scoring (15.3) and rebounding (8.3).
Chima Uzowihe, football
Uzowihe was named Big South Defensive Player of the Year following his senior season in 2015, becoming the first player in program history to receive the honor. He finished the season with 52 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, 8 sacks, 6 QB hurries, and 4 pass breakups. Chima is a 3-time All-Big South first team honoree and is one of 25 finalists for the 2015 STATS FCS Defensive Player of the Year award. He finished his career with a program and Big South best 25 sacks and is 2nd in program history with 44 career tackles for a loss.
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*photo courtesy LibertyFlames.com
