Monday, May 17, 2004

Valparaiso University had four players named to the Mid-Continent Conference Softball All-Tournament Team following the league championships held this past weekend.

Ashlee Blankenbaker (Valparaiso, Ind./Valparaiso H.S.) turned in a 1-1 record with a 0.98 earned run average in four appearances for the Crusaders on the weekend. In 21 1/3 innings of work, the freshman struck out 23 and walked just three.

Taylor Callahan (Grayson, Ga./Greater Atlanta Christian H.S.) registered two doubles and scored a pair of runs for the Brown and Gold in four games at shortstop.

Monica Rowan (Evergreen Park, Ill./Evergreen Park H.S.) led Valpo hitting .375 in the tournament and drew three walks for a .545 on base percentage. The senior also stole two bases and drove in a pair of runs.

Tricia Speziale (Elmhurst, Ill./York H.S.) hit .333 and scored two runs for the Crusaders. The senior played a flawless third base and drove in three.

Valpo advanced to the championship round of the tournament before falling to Centenary.