It's been more than a month and Tina Mangola still can't fathom what it all means.

Mangola, who just wrapped up her freshman season at Ohio Northern University, was named a third-team all-American by the Louisville Slugger/National Fast-Pitch Coaches Association for Division III after posting an incredible season with the Polar Bears.

"I got a voice mail from my coach (Annette Hunt-Shepherd) in one of my classes and she said she had some news for me.

"She told me, 'So, you got third team all-American.' I wasn't expecting anything, so I didn't know what to say. I'm one of those people who's like 'That's nice,' but I'm more of a team player,"Mangola added.

Mangola was one of nine outfielders in Division III to make the list.

"I kind of knew what it was, but I wondered what exactly is it?" said Mangola. "I'm sure most of the players were upperclassmen who got the job done.

"I don't know if it's hit me yet. I'm excited about it. I would have been more excited if we finished No. 1 in the (Ohio Athletic Conference Tournament) instead of third,"she added.

"We had high expectations, but she definitely exceeded what we thought," said ONUassistant coach Jeremy Shepherd. "You could tell she worked hard in the off-season.

"Our leadoff hitter would get on and she would just make big plays. It got to a point where if she didn't get a hit, we'd be surprised,"Shepherd added.

Mangola, a graduate of Seneca Valley, won the triple crown in the OAC, batting .489 with 12 home runs and 49 RBI. The latter two were school records as were her 59 runs scored, 67 base hits and .876 slugging percentage.

She also had 11 doubles and 13 stolen bases while starting all 43 games in right field.

"It was amazing what she did defensively," said Shepherd. "We hadn't had anyone do what she was able to do. In the past, balls would have fallen in, but she was making a lot of catches out there."

Mangola also was honored by earning first-team all-Central Region, first-team all-Conference, OACRookie of the Year and OACHitter of the Week honors.

And, with just one season under her belt, Mangola is two home runs away from the school career mark, set by graduating senior Melanie Ward.

Mangola got off to a hot start with the Polar Bears, but playing in 43 games, she didn't know how she would do over the long haul.

"I didn't really expect to do as well the whole time," said Mangola. "I knew I could hit the ball well, but I really surprised myself."

Not only did Mangola have a fantastic season, but Ohio Northern did as well. The team set single-season records for wins (32-10-1), 39 home runs, 95 doubles, 297 RBI, 328 runs, 677 total bases and a .556 slugging percentage.

The Polar Bears were OAC regular-season co-champions (15-3) and hosted the OACTournament for the first time in 18 years.

With the team losing one senior and a couple of players not returning, the Polar Bears look poised to make another run.

The same could be said for Mangola, who certainly is not content with her freshman campaign.

"I hope for all-around improvement, hitting-wise and fielding," said Mangola. "There's always room for improvement."