Ball State softball players earn spots on All-Conference teams

Now that Mid-American Conference regular season play has ended, the Ball State softball team has more to celebrate than entering the MAC tournament seeded No. 5 with an overall record of 30-26 (14-10 MAC).

The Cardinals also have four players that have earned spots on All-Conference teams.

Junior second baseman Maddy Labrador became the 31st player in program history to be named First Team All-Mid-American Conference. The league announced its annual post season awards on Tuesday after all 12 head coaches in the conference had voted.

In MAC league play, Labrador tied for third with 29 hits and ranks fourth in conference play with a .387 batting average. Of the 29 hits, Labrador had eight doubles, one triple and three home runs to lead the Cardinals to a winning 14-10 MAC record.

The Cardinals celebration continued as a trio of players on the team were voted to the MAC All-Freshman Team.

Pitcher Darcie Huber, outfielder Haley Dominique and outfielder Kennedy Wynn accepted the honor after nearly completing one season with Ball State.

Huber accepted her honor to the MAC All-Freshman Team after leading the Ball State pitching staff with a 2.10 ERA in MAC league play, compiling a 4-2 record, with three complete games in nine appearances as well. Her success didn't just come during conference play, however. Overall, Huber went 9-7 this season with a 2.16 ERA, good for the fourth best among MAC pitchers this year.

Dominique was recognized for her .282 batting average in conference play, ranking second overall on the Cardinal roster. She managed to draw a team-high 12 walks while only striking out once in 71 at-bats in during MAC league play as well. Throughout the season, she drew 24 total walks for an average of .53 walks per game, putting her at third overall in the conference.

After finishing MAC league play with a .250 batting average, Wynn also had one home run and four doubles. She drove in seven runs and scored six times in MAC league action.

The four players, along with the rest of the Ball State softball squad will return to action today as they open up play in the 2017 MAC Softball Championships against No. 4 Kent State. The first pitch is slated for 10:30 a.m. at Firestone Stadium in Akron, Ohio.