May 10, 2006
OMAHA, Neb. -
After winning the regular season Missouri Valley Conference title, Illinois State led the league with four first-team all-conference honorees as announced by the conference office at the post-season banquet at the DoubleTree Hotel in Omaha on Wednesday evening. The Redbird coaching staff was also honored by their peers as the conference coaching staff of the year. Ironically, no Illinois State players were selected to the preseason all-conference team.
Freshman Amber Smith, who led the conference in home runs, RBI, slugging percentage, on-base percentage and walks, was recognized as the Newcomer of the Year. She is the second Redbird in the last three years to earn that distinction. Smith blasted two home runs in the Redbirds' season finale against Missouri State, the game that won the `Birds the regular season title. She also ranks in the top 25 in the nation in home runs per game, RBI per game and slugging percentage.
"What else can you say about Amber?" ISU head coach Melinda Fischer said. "We've never had a freshman come in and play like she does. Her numbers are phenomenal and she's just had an awesome season."
Pitcher Stacy Birk, who received the Newcomer of the Year award in 2004, was also honored as a first team pick. Birk played a critical role in ISU's sweep of Missouri State last weekend as she earned the win in both contests. She compiled an 11-4 mark in conference action with five shutouts and 81 strikeouts. Birk also displayed her power at the plate as she currently ranks fourth on the team with a .340 batting average.
"Stacy's worked awfully hard for everything she's achieved and I think this honor is well deserved," Fischer added.
Despite being a defensive stalwart for the Redbirds at the hot corner for the past four seasons, senior Tricia Gaither had never received any conference accolades. Gaither, who was also a first team pick, leads the `Birds with a .357 average, 51 hits, 11 stolen bases and 105 assists. The four-year starter and team captain had 24 hits against conference opponents this season in compiling a .324 average.
"Tricia has always played well for us from a defensive standpoint. Now she's putting up some great offensive numbers and I think this is a great honor for her as well," Fischer said.
Tiffany Prager also earned the first Valley recognition of her career as she was named to the all-conference second team. The sophomore second baseman committed just two errors in her first season replacing a four-time all-Valley honoree. Prager's .340 average in league action was the second best among all Redbirds.
"Tiffany had a very consistent season for us," Fischer said. "Last year she was used sparingly in the outfield and she really took advantage of her opportunity this year and put up good numbers. She's showing us a lot more range than she had before."
Senior Randi Patton received her second straight first team designation. In conference play, the centerfielder had a team-best 26 hits, 20 runs and a .371 average. Patton, who finished as runner-up for this season's player of the year award, was also flawless in the outfield this season as she recorded 39 putouts and threw six runners out at the plate. She currently ranks No. 18 in the nation in both runs per game and doubles per game.
"Randi's just a great all-around player. I thought she was a really strong candidate for player of the year. (As for the coaching staff award) this is huge for our staff to be recognized like this by the other coaches in the league. This is truly a staff award (not an individual one).
Tomorrow No. 1 seeded Illinois State opens play at the 2006 State Farm Missouri Valley Conference Tournament in Omaha, Neb. with a 4 p.m. contest against the winner of the game between No. 4 Wichita State and No. 5 Drake.
