BLOOMINGTON, Minn. – The Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) released its softball postseason awards on Tuesday and three Gustavus student-athletes were named All-Conference. Kaylyn Leonard (Sr., Plymouth), Madelyn Mueller (So., North Mankato), and Piper Otto (So., Brooklyn Park) were selected to the All-MIAC Team, while Rachel Kawiecki (Fy., Richfield) was named honorable mention.
Leonard caps her collegiate career with her first All-Conference honor after patrolling the left side of the infield all season. Leonard started 20 games at third base and the other 17 at shortstop. Leonard had 13 multiple-hit games with a .366 batting average. In conference games only, Leonard had a .405 batting average, which ranked 11th in the league. She collected eight doubles and two triples during league play, both ranking fourth in the MIAC. After starting all 37 games, Leonard hit 45-for-123 with 28 runs, 19 RBI, a .480 slugging percentage, .426 on-base percentage, and was 10-for-11 on stolen base attempts. In the field, Leonard made 64 putouts and 53 assists with 18 errors for a .867 fielding percentage.
Mueller earns her second All-MIAC honor after receiving the accolade following her rookie campaign. Mueller started all 37 games in center field and led regular starters with a .371 batting average. Mueller also led the team with 15 multiple-hit games. Mueller finished her sophomore season by leading the team in hits (49), at-bats (132), runs (32), triples (3), home runs (2), total bases (67), slugging percentage (.508), and stolen bases (12-15). In the field, Mueller had 66 putouts, four assists, and zero errors for a 1.000 fielding percentage.
Otto, an honorable mention selection last season, was the ace of the pitching staff all season, making 20 starts and 26 appearances. Otto owned a 3.03 ERA and 8-13 record. She pitched 10 complete games with 129.1 innings. Otto recorded a team-leading 94 strikeouts and held opponents to a .265 batting average. In conference games only, Otto ranked fourth in the league in both wins (7) and starts (12). Her 79 innings were fifth most in league play while her 4.43 strikeouts per game ranked seventh.
Kawiecki started in 32 games this season, splitting time as the catcher (17 games) and designated hitter (15). Kawiecki posted a .350 batting average after hitting 36-for-103. She scored 17 runs with six doubles, one home run, 21 RBI, a .437 slugging percentage, and a .389 on-base percentage. Kawiecki was a perfect 7-for-7 in stolen base attempts. In the field, Kawiecki made 56 putouts with 10 assists and three errors for a .957 fielding percentage.
Kayla Ruud (Jr., Savage) was named to the All-Sportsmanship Team.