Central Michigan University Athletics
Brander Named MAC Softball Player of the Year
5/7/2003 12:00:00 AM | Softball
May 7, 2003
AKRON, Ohio -- Central Michigan University senior Michelle Brander (Jenison) was named the Mid-American Conference softball "Player of the Year" on Wednesday at the MAC tournament banquet at Firestone Stadium in Akron, Ohio.
The utility player's .413 batting average during the regular season tied for the second-best mark in the league. She posted seven doubles, two triples, six home runs and 23 RBI. Her six homers tie for third in CMU's single season record book.
The senior is looking to become just the third Chippewa player to ever hit .400 for a season. The single season record is .404 set by three-time All-American Pam Stanley in 1991.
Brander played both behind the plate and at shortstop this season. She hit .435 in MAC games. The utility player notched a hit in 33 of CMU's 41 games with 16 multiple-hit games.
The first team All-MAC selection becomes CMU's sixth MAC "Player of the Year" selection, joining Pam Stanley (1991-92), Brenda Schrader (1994), and Tina Kinney (1998, 2000).
JUCO transfer Aimee Smith (Romeo/Macomb CC) was named second team All-MAC at third base. The junior hit .320 during the regular season with two doubles and seven RBI.
Marshall swept the remaining MAC specialty awards. Thundering Herd coach Shonda Stanton was tabbed MAC "Coach of the Year," while sophomore hurler Randi Nielson was named "Pitcher of the Year." Marshall outfielder Amanda Williams was named "Freshman of the Year" after leading the league in hitting.
The Chippewas are the third seed in the MAC tournament being held at historic Firestone Stadium in Akron, Ohio, May 8-10. CMU faces the No. 6-seeded Miami RedHawks on Thursday morning at 11 a.m.
CMU has won the MAC tournament nine of the 11 years the event has been held, including the last four seasons.
