Softball team sweeps MIAA Player of the Week awards

FREELAND, Mich. – The Olivet College softball team has swept the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) Player of the Week awards. Junior Gracie Boyle was named the Pitcher of the Week and junior Taylor Shellenberger was selected the Position Player of the Week.

Boyle made six appearances, with four starts, in the circle last week. She posted a 5-0 record with one save, and a 0.22 ERA in 31 and two-thirds innings. Three of the wins were shutouts, and the only run Boyle allowed was a home run. In addition, in four of the six games, she gave up three or less hits. Boyle also batted in four of the games, and had six hits in nine at-bats for a .667 average.

"Gracie was extremely consistent and pounded her spots all week long," said Olivet head coach Darrick Brown. "She was throwing so well that we just kept giving her the ball and she went out and got us the wins. We also decided to let her swing the bat and she took advantage of every opportunity we gave her."

At the plate, Shellenberger posted a .688 batting average (11-of-16) in six games last week. Two of the hits were doubles to give her a .813 slugging percentage. Shellenberger scored five runs and had five RBI. One of her RBI drove in the winning run.

"We talked to Taylor about making some small changes to improve her posture and keep her in the zone longer and it paid off," said Brown. "She had some great at-bats and clutch hits this week. Her game-winning hit in our last game of the trip was huge."

The duo led the Comets to an 8-2 record during their spring break trip to The Spring Games in Florida. Olivet won its final seven games.