May 6, 2008

MWC All-Conference Teams

RIPON, Wis. - It's only fitting that the 2008 Midwest Conference Champion Ripon Red Hawks receive proper recognition, which is exactly what happened on Tuesday, with the release of the 2008 MWC All-Conference selections. The Red Hawks had five players named to the All-Conference team, three to the first-team and two more to the second-team. Those selections included the MWC North Player of the Year Natalie Geenen and MWC North Pitcher of the Year Andrea Knorr. Head Coach Kelly Witte also received proper accolades, with the 2008 MWC North Coach of the Year honor, her fourth such award and second in the past three seasons.

This year's award marks Geenen's third first-team selection in her third season at the school. The shortstop led the Red Hawks in nearly every offensive category, including batting average (.431), runs scored (29), doubles (9), home runs (7), slugging percentage (.804), and on-base percentage (.496), while also driving in 21 runs and stealing five bases. Knorr, also in her junior season, was the anchor of a pitching staff that led the Midwest Conference in ERA by more than one run. Knorr led the conference with a 2.09 ERA, 13 victories, and 94 strikeouts, which ties a school record for most strikeouts in a single season. Joining Geenen and Knorr on the first team was senior Krista Shafer, who started every game of the season at second base. Shafer was third on the team with a .412 batting average, to go along with nine doubles, three triples, and 18 RBI. She also scored 25 runs, which ranks second on the team.

The second team was highlighted by catcher Jessica Goudreau and Jackie Reichhart, who played the majority of the season at first base. Goudreau's selection marks the first all-conference nod of the sophomore's career. She batted .303 this season, with two doubles, one triple, two home runs, and 13 RBI, while also making just two errors behind the plate for a .991 fielding percentage. Reichhart, also in her second year with the team, is making her second appearance on the MWC second-team. She was second on the team with a .415 batting average, while driving in a team-high 24 runs. She also added eight doubles, one triple, and one home run.