Catcher Hayley Reitsma, pitcher Sydney Jones and second baseman Sierra Mutschler all shined on the softball diamond this season for Hope College.
Each earned a spot on the 2018 All-Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association First Team that is determined by a vote of the league’s coaches.
In addition, Reitsma was selected the MIAA Position Player of the Year. The senior from Grand Rapids, Michigan (Grand Rapids Christian) is the 11th Hope softball player to be named MIAA MVP.
Reitsma set a league record with 11 home runs in MIAA games - surpassing the old mark of nine. She batted a league-high .574 with five triples and one double in MIAA games. She finished second in the league with 24 RBIs against MIAA foes.
"Hayley has had an outstanding senior year in MIAA play. She led the conference in almost every offensive statistic and is a force behind the plate as well,” head coach Mary VandeHoef said. “She also provides great leadership to our team and a competitive drive that has helped propel us. I am really proud of her. It's great to see her hard work culminate in a great senior season and Position Player of the Year in the league."
Jones recorded a 7-2 record in league games with the second-most number of wins among MIAA pitchers. The senior righthander from South Lyon, Michigan (East) had the third-lowest league ERA at 1.50. She struck out an MIAA-best 86 batters.
“Syd had another great MIAA season in the circle,” Vande Hoef said. “She is so committed to being the best she can be for our team. The fierce competitiveness she brings every day has helped our team accomplish what it has this season and throughout her career.”
Jones and Reitsma have claimed All-MIAA First Team honors for the second consecutive season.
Mutschler hit .420 in league games with five home runs. The senior from Wayland, Michigan (Wayland) tied for third with 20 RBIs.
“It’s great to see Sierra have her best year in the MIAA as a senior,” VandeHoef said. “Not only was she a threat in the heart of our lineup each game, she played error free at second base in conference play. She is the leader in our infield."
This is Mutschler’s first selection as an All-MIAA First Team honoree.