WESTERVILLE, Ohio — Four Marietta College Pioneers were named to the 2024 All-Ohio Athletic Conference Softball Team announced Tuesday (May 14) morning by the league office. In voting by the OAC softball coaches,
Jess Brown (Brookville, Ohio/Brookville),
Rachel Kazmirski (Colliers, W.Va./Brooke), and
Jillian Middleton (Marietta, Ohio/Marietta) were all named to the first team.
Liz White (North Royalton, Ohio/North Royalton) earned honorable mention recognition.
"We didn't get the wins or achieve success to get us into the postseason like we hoped for, but we still had some unbelievable success at the plate this year," said Marietta Head Softball Coach
Jenn Castle. "Rachel, Jess, and Jill were constantly called upon to step up in every game and I am very proud of the numbers they were able to put up this season, capping off their great careers."
Not only was Brown named to the first team, she was given the added special honor of being named OAC Player of the year. This is the first time in Marietta softball program history that a Pioneer notched this coveted award.
"Jess came back this season with a mission and goal in mind and she came through big time for us," said Coach Castle. "She has made some big time plays for us at third base that saved runs from scoring or got us out of a tight inning. At the plate, Jess was locked in. She made a pitcher work hard for an out on her by fouling off pitch after pitch and usually the at-bat ending in Jess's favor."
Brown put together a solid senior season as she led the team in home runs (10) and runs batted in (35). Her 10 home runs were good for third in the OAC and she was second in the conference with a .792 slugging percentage. Brown was also sixth in the conference with a .434 batting average.
"Jess has been a great hitter since her freshman year but has really elevated herself to be the best in the conference by never settling on where she was," said Coach Castle. "Every year she got better and better until her weaknesses were minimal. I am also proud of what Jess has been able to achieve with her mental game."
Despite dealing with some nagging injuries, Kazmirski had another standout season for Marietta. The Pioneer first baseman once again led the team and the OAC in batting average (.467) and doubles (19). She was also third in the conference with a .771 slugging percentage on the way to earning her third OAC post season honor. Defensively, Rachel was one of the best at first base as she only committed three errors in 211 total chances, good for a .986 fielding percentage.
"Rachel worked through a lot of adversity this season and was still able to perform for us at a high level," said Coach Castle. "Her receiving this honor means a lot because, at times, we were unsure how far into the season she would get. It is a testament to her work ethic and all or nothing attitude. Rachel's defense was also top notch this season and really became a leader on the field. Whether it was picking balls out of the dirt or getting everyone focused back in, Rachel always stepped up."
Middleton was counted on more this season for her hitting, but still played well in the circle for the Pioneers. Middleton collected four victories on the season, striking out 63 batters in 69.1 innings pitched. She was fifth in the conference with a .436 batting average, collecting 12 extra-base hits and driving in 23 runs as a hitter.
"Jillian really bought into the role of DP when she wasn't pitching and came up big time for us this season," said Coach Castle. "She reads pitchers better than anyone I have ever coached and was relaying the information to the team so they could make those quick adjustments at the plate. Having Jess and Jill stacked in the line-up did not leave room for errors for the defense and Jill was always ready to come through in a clutch situation."
White made an immediate impact for the Pioneers in her freshman campaign. A first-time honoree, Liz was penciled into the leadoff spot for much of the season and did her job getting on base. She was in the top ten of the OAC in walks (15) and collected three triples on the season, good for seventh in the OAC.
"I am happy the other coaches in the OAC recognized Liz's contribution and voted her Honorable Mention," said Coach Castle. "Liz was such a versatile player this season and her bat forced me to be creative to find ways to keep her in the lineup making appearances in the outfield, catching and at times a DP. She is fundamentally sound and can become one of the top catchers in our conference if she puts the work in. Her softball knowledge is top notch and can get her far."
Marietta finished the season with a 16-19 overall record and 8-10 Ohio Athletic Conference record.
Fans can follow all the Pioneer teams all year long at
pioneers.marietta.edu. You can also follow the Pioneers on Facebook at
facebook.com/MariettaCollege and @MariettaPioneer on X and Instagram.
