Softball players earn All-MAC honors
May 10, 2002
KALAMAZOO -- Western Michigan University softball players Jenn Dilley of Newbury Park, Calif., and Angie Fiero of Rives Junction, Mich., have been named to 2002 all-conference teams in the Mid-American Conference.
Dilley, a freshman, was named to the All-MAC first team at third base and Fiero, a junior, was tabbed to the second team at shortstop. The two players are the first Broncos to be named to any All-MAC squad since Yvonne Jenks claimed first team accolades in 1999.
Dilley's improvement has been a key ingredient in the team's strong season finish. Over the course of the last 15 regular season games, in which the Broncos own a 10-5 record, the third baseman leads the squad with a .375 batting average (14-for-40). She also has not made an error in 14 starts since the April 18 doubleheader sweep at Valparaiso. For the year in MAC play, Dilley is hitting .314 (11-for-35) and has committed just one miscue in the field. Her hitting mark is the second-highest of any Bronco on the roster.
"We are very pleased for Jenn," head coach Kathy Leitke said. "We were patient for her bat to come around and for her to perform as she is capable of playing. She has stepped in as a freshman and earned a big honor, not only for her herself, but for her team as well."
Fiero, who is enjoying a breathrough third season at WMU, has been the program's starting shortstop since her arrival in Kalamazoo. A career .280 hitter entering the season, Fiero leads the squad at .348 and ranks eighth in the MAC in that category. She also ranks fourth in on base percentage (.430) and is one of only two Broncos to start all 48 games. She leads the team with three home runs and is the first Bronco to conclude the season above .300 since Jenks (.329) in 1999.
"Angie has had an outstanding year not only at the plate, but in the field," Leitke said. "Her level of confidence has increased as the season has progressed and allowed her natural talents to come forth."
The Broncos concluded the regular season with an overall record of 22-22 and were 11-10 versus conference opponents. WMU qualified for the MAC Tournament and its first postseason appearance in softball since 1997.
Media contact: Scott Kuykendall, 269 387-4125, scott.kuykendall@wmich.edu