Despite an appearance in the NCAA Midwest Regional, the season may not have ended the way the Grand Valley State University softball team would have hoped, but the team did make waves in the awards category this season.

Joining GLIAC Coach of the Year Doug Woods, the Lakers – who finished the season 45-15 (24-8 GLIAC) – had eight players earn All-GLIAC recognition this season. The All-GLIAC first team was occupied by four juniors from GVSU in infielder Emily Holt, outfielder Nellie Kosola, designated player Katie Martin and pitcher Hannah Santora.

The quartet was joined by junior outfielder Emily Jones and sophomore shortstop Briauna Taylor on the second team. Senior pitcher Andrea Nicholson joined senior catcher Carly Raisutis as honorable mentions.

The team also saw recognition from the Daktronics All-Midwest Region Softball Team and National Fastpitch Coaches Association All-Midwest Region Team. Martin and Santora were honored as first and second team members of the Daktronics team, respectively, as well as earning spots on the first team for NFCA as well.

Joining the two on the NFCA teams were sophomore short stop Briauna Taylor and junior outfielder Nellie Kosola. Taylor joins Martin on the first team, while Kosola joins Santora on the second.

Not to be forgotten, the other diamond-dwellers at GVSU – the baseball team – also were recognized for their play on the field this season. Senior outfielder Steve Anderson was named GLIAC Co-Player of the Year with Tiffin University’s Pat Curtain, while fellow senior Kyle Schepel was named GLIAC Pitcher of the Year.

Head coach Steve Lyon, in his final year leading the Lakers, was honored as the GLIAC Coach of the Year, and freshman outfielder Mike Nadratowski was named GLIAC Freshman of the Year.

Both Schepel and Anderson were also honored on the All-GLIAC first team, and were joined by six of their GVSU counterparts. Senior catcher Jared Cowan, sophomore first basemen Giancarlo Brugnoni, freshman short stop Kevin Zac, junior closer Brad Zambron and senior pitcher Ryan Garman joined them on the first team.

Meanwhile, Nadratowski gained All-GLIAC second team honors, while senior pitcher Cory Baker and senior catcher Zach Laupp were listed as honorable mentions.

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