Softball America announced their monthly awards on Wednesday.  SIU ace Maddia Groff was named their Freshman Pitcher of the Month for the second time this season.

Groff tallied 96 total strikeouts in the month of April.  She also posted three outings with 13 or more strikeouts.  She ranks in the top 5 of several statistical categories this season as well.  Groff is 4th in the nation in strikeouts (211), 2nd in the nation in ERA (0.75), she is tied for 1st in wins (26), and she is 1st in K/BB ratio (10.55).

Softball America also updated their positional rankings on Wednesday.  SIU sophomore shortstop Jackie Lis is recognized as the #10 shortstop ranking in the country.  She leads the Missouri Valley with 16 home runs this season.  She is slashing .359/.491/.805 and has driven in 34 runs.