NAPERVILLE, Ill. – North Park softball saw four of their members named to the 2023 College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW) All-Conference team, as the league announced on Tuesday afternoon. Alyssa Malicki and Emily Reczek were first-team selections while Eden Baker and Kayla Lorenz grabbed second-team accolades.
Malicki, a 2022 first-team All-CCIW selection and NFCA second-team All-Region pick, showed a quality senior year both in the circle and at the plate. In CCIW games, Malicki carried a slash line of .323 / .447 / .516 with three doubles and a home run. She added eight runs scored and nine RBI alongside a .972 fielding percentage with 27 assists. As a pitcher, she ranked 10th in the CCIW with a .268 opponent's batting average and 7th in strikeouts with 27. She turned in a 3.58 ERA in 43 IP, tossing seven complete games and a shutout.
Reczek, a senior catcher from Park Ridge, Ill., had the comeback season of a lifetime this year. She slashed .357 / .372 / .429 with three doubles, four runs scored, and six RBI in CCIW action. Reczek had four multi-hit games, including a pair of 2-for-4 performances in a split at home against Illinois Wesleyan. She spent the majority of her time as the designated player but still managed a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage in her 10 chances.
Baker, a freshman outfielder from West Lafayette, Ind., wasted no time in making an immediate impact on Coach Katie Anderson's team. She carried a slash line of .319 / .385 / .489 with a pair of doubles, three triples, seven RBI, and 10 runs scored. She stole a base and drew five walks while fielding a perfect 1.000 as an outfielder in 20 chances.
Lorenz, a freshman shortstop from Vernon Hills, Ill., further bolstered a young Viking squad. In 39 at-bats, she posted a slash line of .282 / .391 / .410 with three doubles, a triple, five RBI, and a CCIW sixth-best 12 runs scored. She was a perfect 3-for-3 on the bases and maintained a fielding percentage of .949 with 29 assists.
Additionally, Maddy Tan was North Park's representative for the RESPECT Award.
About the RESPECT Award
At the conclusion of every sports season, each varsity program will recognize one student-athlete as their RESPECT Award honoree. RESPECT Award recipients have distinguished themselves as an integral member of the team, their institution and community by upholding the values of Responsibility, Enthusiasm, Service, Pride, Excellence, Collaboration and Trust. The RESPECT Award recognizes the intangible traits a student-athlete possesses that exemplify great character and encourages inclusiveness and a positive culture.
