Softball earns several accolades at MVC Banquet
05/12/2010 | 12:00:00 | Softball
May 12, 2010
By Beth Miller
www.SIUSalukis.com
DES MOINES, Iowa - Southern Illinois racked up the awards at the conference banquet Wednesday night in Des Moines. Junior pitcher Danielle Glosson earned Missouri Valley Conference Pitcher of the Year and Kerri Blaylock and her staff picked up Coaching Staff of the Year, as voted on by league coaches. In addition, the Salukis placed six student-athletes on the 2010 Missouri Valley Softball All-Conference Team. Glosson, Katie Wilson, Alicia Garza and Allie Hanson earned first team all-conference while Mallory Duran and Cristina Trapani were selected to second-team.
"I always feel good about all-conference awards because it shows how respected the kids are by the other coaches," Blaylock said. "Everyone of those kids were deserving of the award."
The 2010 coaching staff marks the fifth group to earn the Staff of the Year award, the last time being 2005 when the staff earned the award four consecutive year. Headed by Blaylock, this staff led the Salukis to a regular-season title for the first time since 2005. In her 11th overall season as head coach, Blaylock picked up her 400th win and 11th consecutive season with 30 or more wins.
"I am fortunate to be blessed with a good staff," Blaylock said. "It's another one of those things where when you earn an award from your peers it means something."
Glosson became the fourth Saluki to earn Pitcher of the Year, the last pitcher to earn the award was Cassidy Scoggins in 2006. Glosson has recorded a 23-12 overall record, 16-3 in Valley action. The junior boasts a 1.19 conference ERA, and has struck out a total of 215 on the season. In 40 appearances, Glosson has tossed 22 complete games, seven shutouts, one no-hitter and has racked up two saves. She has entered the record books in six categories, ranking fourth all-time for wins in a single-season.
"I am sure Pitcher of the Year and Player of the Year voting was very, very close," Blaylock said. "But I'm so glad Danielle got it and I'm so glad that people respected what she did. I thought she threw really well in the conference regular-season."
Wilson, Garza and Hanson have powered the Saluki offense, batting in the middle of lineup. The senior trio is leading the team in RBIs, home runs and extra-base hits this season.
Wilson broke the single-season RBI record at Southern and became the first Saluki to reach 50 RBI in a single season. She leads the team in home runs with 12, which ties fourth for the single-season home run record. The Alton, Ill. native tied the all-time single-season record as a freshman in 2007 with 14. In addition, Wilson ranks in four of SIU's top-ten career records.
Garza has provided power, speed and defense for Southern this season boasting a .338 batting average with seven home runs and 35 RBI. She leads the team in stolen bases with 16, being caught only twice in her 18 attempts and has posted a .977 fielding percentage so far this season. The senior second baseman sits one RBI away from tying the all-time career record at SIU, and ranks in the top-ten in eight different career categories.
Hanson has been a force to reckon with at the plate, starting in 47 games as a designated player. The Marion, Ill. native has put up seven home runs, nine extra-base hits and ranks third on the team with 32 RBI. In her first three years, Hanson never attempted to steal a base and this season went a perfect 4-for-4, provided much-needed speed in clutch situations.
Named to the all-MVC second team was Duran who is hitting .305 on the season and is fourth on the team with 24 runs scored. She has posted a .403 on-base percentage and ranks third on the team with a .975 fielding percentage. The sophomore has played in 51 games, providing spectacular defense in the outfield for Southern.
Trapani has been a key to both the Saluki offense and defense this season, powering four home runs and 18 RBI this season. The catcher is perfect behind the plate, boasting a 1.000 fielding percentage.
The 2010 Salukis have garnered numerous accolades throughout the season, the most the program has seen since 2005.
