Sangamon Sun

Five members of the Illinois College softball team have been recognized with All-Midwest Conference honors, as announced by the league. Seniors Julia Drake and Jaycie Edwards were selected for the first team, while senior Calynn Gicante, sophomore Brooke Loveall, and freshman Elysia Hand were named to the second team.

Julia Drake, from New Athens, Ill., was acknowledged for her performance as a pitcher. She concluded the season with a 12-8 record and a 3.45 ERA, leading the conference with 137 strikeouts. In conference play, she achieved a 7-1 record with a save and recorded an impressive 1.57 ERA along with a league-high 59 strikeouts. During the recent conference tournament, Drake became Illinois College's all-time strikeout leader, finishing her career with 432 strikeouts.

Jaycie Edwards of Warrensburg, Ill., earned her spot on the first team as a designated player. She completed the season batting .337 with eight doubles, one home run, and led her team with 25 RBIs.

Calynn Gicante was recognized at first base. The St. Louis native topped her team's stats in batting average (.390), hits (53), total bases (73), and doubles (10). She also tied for most home runs on the team with two.

Brooke Loveall is a catcher from Arnold, Mo., who batted .350 including two doubles and one triple while contributing ten RBIs.

Elysia Hand is an outfielder from Kearney, Mo., who distinguished herself as the only freshman honored from Illinois College. She posted a .376 batting average (second on her team) with nine doubles, four triples, and seventeen RBIs.

Illinois College concluded their season holding an overall record of 20-22 and finished their Midwest Conference schedule at 12-4.