RIPON, Wisconsin – Six members of the Ripon softball program have been named Easton/NFCA All-America Scholar-Athletes as announced by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association on Tuesday.
Anna Bauer,
Hadley Berendsen,
Kalen Berger,
Nadiyah Huizar,
Jayden Markus and
Mara Millard were each recognized for their work on the field and in the classroom. To be selected, student-athletes needed to possess a minimum GPA of 3.50 during the 2023-24 school year.
Bauer, a senior Psychology major from Kaukauna, Wisconsin, wrapped up her career in a Ripon uniform by starting all 36 games in 2024. She was third on the team with a .308 batting average and second in hits (33), RBI (16) and OPS (.800). She set the new single-season program record with 13 hit-by-pitches, is seventh in school history in career at-bats (371) and is tied for eighth in career doubles (24).
Berendsen, a sophomore from Kimberly, Wisconsin, had another productive season at the plate for the Red Hawks. She appeared in 31 games and made 30 starts, contributing 24 hits and 11 RBI. Additionally, she was fourth on the team with an OPS of .635.
Berger, a junior Political Science major from Dunbar, Wisconsin, was Ripon's top pitcher in 2024. She led Ripon with 126.1 innings pitched, a 5.98 ERA and a WHIP of 2.06. Tossing 13 complete games, Berger punched out 35 batters and is tied for fourth in program history in single-game innings pitched, throwing all 11 innings against Knox on May 4. Each of the last two seasons she has appeared in 24 games, good for tenth all-time in the program record books for single-season appearances.
Huizar, a freshman from Buena Park, California, played in 17 games and notched 11 starts. She had 12 hits and seven RBI, hitting .273 on the season with five multi-hit games.
Markus, a sophomore Exercise Science major from Sorento, Illinois, appeared in 18 games and scored four runs, driving one run in. She recorded a single in her only at-bat of the season in a win against Maranatha Baptist in April.
Millard, a senior Finance major from Poynette, Wisconsin, made four starts and eight appearances for Ripon in 2024. She recorded a hit in the season opener against UW-Superior and accumulated two walks on the season.
Berger, Berendsen and Bauer were all previously named Academic All-District by College Sports Communicators in May.
Ripon finished the 2024 season 11-25 and 5-11 in Midwest Conference play.
Kayla Cruz was named a first-team All-MWC performer and was also honored as a third-team National Fastpitch Coaches Association All-Region selection.
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