May 16, 2001

Columbia, Mo. - Three Tiger softball players, Karen Williams, Melanie Fisher and Rachael McGinnis, earned Louisville Slugger First-Team All-Midwest Regional honors Wednesday.

Williams led the Tigers in hitting and was 12th nationally with a .429 batting average. She had 79 hits in 184 at-bats, and recorded a .456 on-base percentage. The most dangerous base-runner on the team, she stole 24 bases in 28 attempts, and crossed home plate 32 times. Williams was selected as an Academic All-Big 12 member on May 9.

Fisher came to Mizzou after a season with the Southwest Missouri State Bears. Moving directly into the starting line-up as the designated player, Fisher's batting average was second-highest on the team at .379. She also led the team in extra-base hits with 10 doubles, three triples, and two homeruns. She was selected to the All-Big 12 Second Team on May 9. Next year, Fisher will play basketball at Mizzou as well as softball.

McGinnis is another newcomer that added to the Tigers' firepower right away. The freshman from Overland Park, Kan., started every game but one at third base. Against Kansas on April 19, McGinnis was hit by a ball in pre-game infield and received nine stitches above her left eye, but was back for the next game on April 21. She hit .330 for the Tigers, including seven doubles, five triples, and two home runs. She was awarded Big 12 Player of the Week for the week of March 26-April 2.