Bruins well represented on all-MCAC teams

CONWAY, Ark. -- The Bellevue University softball team was well represented on the all-MCAC softball teams announced today in conjuction with 2012 MCAC Softball Tournament. Four Bruins were named to the first team, three to the second squad, one honorable mention selection, and Taylor Mohler earned MCAC Freshman of the Year honors. 

Bruins named to the first team included senior first baseman Brooke Ellis, junior pitcher/infielder Amanda Neumann, freshman outfielder Kelsie Bridgeford and Mohler. Second team honorees included senior outfielder Kathryn Wardian, junior second baseman Kim Wees, and sophomore designated player Katie Malloy. Freshman pitcher/short stop Shelby Kindelin earned honorable mention accolades

Ellis earned her third-consecutive first team all-MCAC honor after batting .389 with 12 doubles, 11 home runs and 50 RBIs. She currently ranks fourth in school history with 24 career home runs.

Neumann, who was also a 2011 first team honoree, leads the team with a .404 batting average, 17 doubles, and 64 RBIs. She is also second on the team with 13 home runs. In the circle, Neumann is 12-6 with three shutouts, a 2.57 ERA and 84 strikeouts. 

Bridgeford leads the MCAC with a .600 batting average in conference games. Overall, she is batting .386 with 15 doubles, two triples, nine home runs and 37 RBIs and is riding a nine-game hitting streak.

Mohler leads the Bruin pitching staff with a 19-5 record, a 1.95 ERA, six shutouts, and 188 strikeouts. She has also pitched a team-high 20 complete games.

The Bruins finished the regular season with a 42-14 overall record and a 13-1 league mark, claiming a share of the MCAC regular season title with No. 4-ranked Central Baptist College.

Bellevue, the No. 2 seed, will begin MCAC Tournament play with a 2 p.m. contest Thursday against third-seeded Southwestern Christian University. The tournament is being hosted by top-seeded Central Baptist.

First Team All-MCAC
-Erica Gunter- Central Baptist College
-Christen Kirchner- Central Baptist College
-Brooke Ellis- Bellevue University
-Macy Wright- Oklahoma Wesleyan University
-Natalye Chudy- Central Baptist College
-Kiara Bonner- Central Baptist College
-Kelsie Bridgeford- Bellevue University
-Tracy Ratliff- Central Baptist College
-Corrine Pearl- York College
-Jessica Tickle- Central Baptist College
-Amanda Neumann- Bellevue University
-Candice Brasher- Central Baptist College
-Jessica Bock- Central Baptist College
-Taylor Mohler- Bellevue University

Freshman of the Year- Taylor Mohler- Bellevue University
Newcomer of the Year- Jessica Tickle- Central Baptist College
Pitcher of the Year- Jessica Bock- Central Baptist College
Player of the Year- Erica Gunter- Central Baptist College
Coach of the Year- Jason Anderson- Central Baptist College

Second Team All-MCAC
-Alexis Paspalof- York College
-Shlebi Hatfield- College of Saint Mary
-Kim Wees- Bellevue University
-Hannah Martin- Central Christian College
-Kayla Millette- Southwestern Christian University
-Candace Perkins- Oklahoma Wesleyan University
-Kathryn Wardian- Bellevue University
-Lynn Fibich- College of Saint Mary
-Britney Curry- York College
-Shawna Hash- Central Christian College
-Katie Malloy- Bellevue University
-Hilary Kustersteffen- Southwestern Christian University
-Jessica Sheldon-Central Baptist College
-Courtney Gaines- Southwestern Christian College

Honorable Mention
-Arica Reeves- York College
-Brooklynn Lemons- Central Christian College
-Shelby Kindelin - Bellevue University
-Jessica Farris- Oklahoma Wesleyan University
-Jamie Zimmerer- College of Saint Mary
-Courtney Gililland- Oklahoma Wesleyan University