MAC Softball Player of the Week
Payton Kelly, Senior, Outfield, Western Michigan
Chino Hills, Calif. (Chino Hills)
Kelly had a team-high 10 hits and six RBIs over the five games last week. She went 2-for-3 in the 4-3 win over NIU and then 2-for-4 with three RBIs in the 9-7 loss. Her two hits were home runs, tying the team record for home runs in a game. Against the Bobcats, she opened the series going 3-for-4 with three RBIs coming via a three-run home run. In the 4-1 win over Ohio she was 2-for-2 with a walk. In Sunday's 2-1 win she went 1-for-2 with a double. Her week landed her at No. 10 on 64Analytics Top 10 Hitters of the Week.
 
MAC Softball Pitcher of the Week
Brinkley Kita, Sophomore, RHP, Ball State
Crown Point, Ind. (Crown Point)
Sophomore righty Brinkley Kita stole the show Saturday afternoon at the Ball State Softball Stadium, throwing 10 shutout innings and allowing just five hits to help Ball State earn a doubleheader split versus Central Michigan. Entering in relief in the 6-0 loss to open the day, Kita held the Chippewas to just one hit over her 3.0 innings of work. She carried the effort over into the second game, allowing just four hits and earning the complete game shutout in the Cardinals' 3-0 victory. In addition to allowing just five hits on the day, Kita struck out three batters while issuing just four walks. Kita entered the day having thrown just 30.2 innings this season with a 5.25 ERA. After her 10 innings of shutout softball, she lowered her ERA to 3.96.