CARBONDALE, Ill. – Four players from the University of Evansville softball team made waves in the Missouri Valley Conference this week. This is a big deal as it’s the first time since 2001 that the Purple Aces have had four all-conference picks.
Niki Bode led the pack, earning a spot on the All-MVC First Team. She has been a powerhouse at the plate, starting the league championship with an impressive .389 batting average, ranking fifth in the MVC. Just last month, she wowed everyone with an .818 average in four games against Northern Kentucky and UIC, earning her the MVC Player of the Week title. With 18 doubles this season, she holds the second position in the conference, tying for the third-highest doubles tally in the program’s history. This is a significant leap for Bode, who was previously named to the All-MVC Second Team in 2022.
Kate Ridgway and Brooke Voss also earned recognition, with Ridgway landing on the All-MVC Second Team. As a standout pitcher, she has thrown two no-hitters this season, including one in the opener against Maine. Ridgway has made quite an impact, ranking second in the MVC with 143 strikeouts and a striking 6.95 strikeouts per seven innings. It’s no surprise that she was honored as the MVC Pitcher of the Week on March 24.
Voss had a standout junior year, consistently ranking in the top 20 in several categories, like home runs and total bases. A highlight of her season was a stellar game against defending Atlantic 10 Champions, Saint Louis, where she went 4-for-5, securing three RBIs and the decisive hit.
Last but not least, Taylor Howe received All-Defensive Team honors for the second year in a row. Known for her incredible skills in the outfield, she made several jaw-dropping catches this season. Howe wrapped up the regular season with a solid .299 batting average and led the team with 36 runs scored, which ranks her among the top 15 in the conference.
This achievement shines a light on the growing talent within the Evansville softball program. In recent years, the focus on player development and team cohesion has become increasingly important, and it shows. As the league championship approaches, the excitement builds, and fans are eager to see how these talented players will perform.
For more insights on women’s sports and their impact, see this research from the Women’s Sports Foundation.
