Five softball players earn All-MIAA honors

Five Olivet College student-athletes have been named to the 2005 All-Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) softball teams. Junior pitcher Erica Anderson (Casnovia/Kent City), senior shortstop Jenn Newland (Tekonsha) and senior catcher Beth Shunkwiler (Berrien Center/Berrien Springs) earned first-team honors. Freshman first baseman Jessica Schmansky (Clarkston/Waterford Our Lady of Lakes) and senior centerfielder Jill Shufelt (Millington) are second-team selections. All-MIAA honors are based on a player's statistics during conference play.

In the circle, Anderson had a 7-3 record and 1.99 ERA in 63 and one-third innings. She struck out 34 batters. Newland, who was a 2004 second-team All-MIAA pick, had a .429 batting average from the leadoff spot in the lineup. She had 24 hits, including seven doubles and one home run. Shunkwiler, a two-time first-team All-MIAA selection, ranked among the MIAA leaders with 22 hits, seven doubles, four home runs, 41 total bases, 14 runs scored, 23 RBIs and .745 slugging percentage.

Schmansky hit .408 with seven doubles and a home run for a .612 slugging percentage. She also committed only two errors in 123 chances for a .984 fielding percentage. Shufelt, who also earned second-team All-MIAA honors in 2003, had a .396 batting average.

Senior second baseman Lindsey Daniels (Galesburg-Augusta), sophomore rightfielder Shannon Hall (Taylor Truman) and sophomore third baseman Katelan Schoen (Climax-Scotts) earned coaches' honorable mention honors.