WILLIAMSTOWN, MASS. – Five members of
Kris Herman's 2024 Williams College softball team in Bangor, Maine this weekend for the NCAA Tournament have earned All-NESCAC honors.
For the second year in a row sophomore pitcher
Sadie Leonard has been named First Team and Pitcher of the Year. Leonard was also the Co-Rookie of the Year in 2023.
First Year pitcher and first baseman
Katie Blanch also earned First Team honors as well as being named the Rookie of the Year.
"Sadie and Katie are a great 1-2 bunch for our team," said Herman. "Both are great players, competitors and teammates. They add so much to our team on the field and in the dugout."
"Sadie has gotten better as the season goes on, upping her strikeout per seven innings mark they set last year and on pace to crush the Williams strikeout record. Katie does so much for our team as well. As a pitcher she's top five in the conference, leads our team at the plate, plays multiple positions and is arguably our best clutch offensive player. "
2024 Second Team honorees include junior catcher
Sydney Fleming, senior catcher/infielder Kelly McGuigan and senior outfielder
Tayler Wise.
McGuigan was previously named First Team in 2021 and Second Team in 2023, Fleming and Wise were honored for the first time.
"
Sydney Fleming leads our team in power numbers at bat and more importantly has caught almost every inning this year," noted Herman. "Working with five pitchers is no small feat, and Sydney does it with a quiet leadership that is effective in many ways."
"Kelly McGuigan has battled a myriad of injuries this year and continues to step up when needed," said Herman. "She hits home runs and also is a great situational hitter and base runner. She cares deeply about her team and teammates and works hard for them each day."
"
Tayler Wise is a captain in her senior year and has been a leader on the field as well," Herman commented. "At the top of the lineup most days, she's a consistent hitter, and her defense has been more than outstanding this season. Always working on her game, Tayler is an understated but deserving all-star."
"The NESCAC is so strong...we're excited to be a part of it," added Herman. "I'm excited for all of the Eph all-conference honorees and am proud to be a part of this team full of great, hard-working kids."
