May 24, 2007

Columbia, Mo. -Wrapping up the 33rd season of Missouri softball at the NCAA Regional Tournament in Carbondale, Ill., May 20, the 20-member Tiger squad returned home to host an end of the season gathering in which four individuals received the recognition of their teammates. Julie Silver (Chesterfield, Mo.), Jen Bruck (St. Peters, Mo.), Allison Kennewell (Eden Prairie, Minn.), and Sara Simons (Kearney, Mo.) were each awarded honors as voted on by their peers.

Finishing up her freshman season, Silver, an outfielder on the Tiger team, was named Best Hitter and Newcomer of the Year. Silver concluded her campaign with a .301 overall batting average and .385 mark in post-season play. An All-Big 12 second team selection, Silver notched 13 doubles, three home runs and one triple on the year and was credited with 19 RBI. Silver was one of five freshmen on this year's squad and one of only two Tigers, alongside teammate Bruck, to earn All-Big 12 tournament honors.

In her third season with the Missouri softball team, Bruck was called on to lead the Tigers against 12 of the nation's top-25 teams. For her work in the circle and at the plate, Bruck was awarded Best Pitcher and Most Valuable Player. All-Big 12 First Team member Bruck helped guide Missouri to a third place showing in the Big 12 Conference and was credited with 11 of Missouri's 13 league victories including wins over then-No. 9 Texas, No. 2 Oklahoma, No. 5 Texas A&M and conference champions and then-No. 8 Baylor. Bruck owned a 1.45 ERA in Big 12 games and finished the year with a 2.50 overall ERA and 21-11 record as well as credit for two saves.

Names Defensive Player of the Year, Kennewell made 41 starts at third base, eight at shortstop and one appearance at first. In her 50 total starts, Kennewell collected 72 putouts, made 97 assists and helped turn seven double plays. Kennewell closed her Tiger career with a .939 fielding percentage, the same mark she set as a senior.

This year's Hardest Worker award was given to Tiger outfielder Sara Simons. Making 31 appearances and 13 starts in right field, Simons was credited with 16 putouts and two assists for a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage. At the plate, Simons recorded 11 hits, including three doubles and a Feb. 14 home run against UMKC, Missouri's first of the season.