Bowerman and Braner named to 2009 CoSIDA/ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District IV softball teams

OLIVET, Mich. -- Olivet College seniors Cassie Bowerman (Quincy) and Anna Braner (Belmond, Iowa) have been named to the 2009 College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA)/ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District IV softball teams. Braner is a first-team selection and advances to the CoSIDA College Division Academic All-America® ballot. Bowerman has earned second-team honors.

Bowerman has a 3.98 grade point average (GPA) in mathematics and science elementary education. She finished the 2009 season with a .333 batting average, 19 runs scored, two home runs and 13 RBI. Playing primarily at first base, Bowerman made only two errors in 208 chances for a .990 fielding percentage.

Bowerman is the daughter of Scott Bowerman and Beth Forsyth. After graduation, she plans to become an elementary school teacher.

Braner carries a 3.98 GPA in insurance and risk management. This season, she led the Comets with a .459 batting average, 40 runs scored, 50 hits, 14 doubles, 80 total bases, .734 slugging percentage, .516 on-base percentage and 18 stolen bases. Braner, who started all 34 games at third base, committed just two errors in 125 chances for a .984 fielding percentage.

Braner is the daughter of Scott and Kathy Braner. After graduation, she has aspirations to be an underwriter at an insurance company.

The Academic All-America® program recognizes student-athletes who have succeeded in athletic competition and in the classroom. The members of the All-District IV teams are selected by sports information directors in Alabama, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and Tennessee. To be eligible, the student-athlete must be a starter or key reserve and maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.30.