Seven members of the Southern Illinois University Salukis Women’s Softball team received All-Missouri Valley Conference honors, as announced by the league on May 6. Two players, Brooklynn Danielson and Emily Delgado, were recognized with specialty awards.
The recognition highlights the team’s strong performance in NCAA Division I competitions. The Salukis participate in the Missouri Valley Conference and host their games at Charlotte West Stadium in Carbondale, Illinois, according to the official website.
Danielson was named MVC Freshman of the Year and joined Emily Williams, Amanda Knutson, and Maleah Blomenkamp on the All-MVC First Team. It is Danielson’s first time receiving All-MVC honors. “Danielson is Southern Illinois’ eighth Freshman of the Year and is the first since Maddia Groff in 2024,” according to a statement from Southern Illinois University. Danielson recorded an 8-1 record with one save, a 1.39 ERA, and 60 strikeouts in conference play.
Delgado earned MVC Newcomer of the Year after transferring to SIU from Corona, California. She finished conference play with a 7-2 record and four saves—leading all pitchers who have recorded at least two saves—with a 2.20 ERA against Valley opponents.
Williams made her second consecutive appearance on the All-MVC First Team after tying for most home runs (12) in conference play and leading with 42 RBIs. Knutson ranked among league leaders in batting average (.383), slugging percentage (.704), doubles (eight), home runs (six), and RBIs (22). Blomenkamp led league batting average at .459 during regular season play.
Hayden Kurtz was named to the Second Team after starting every game since March 1; she hit .351 with eight doubles during conference play. Sydney Potter became SIU’s fourth catcher to earn All-Defensive Team recognition after playing all games as catcher this season.
Southern Illinois will host this week’s MVC Tournament at Charlotte West Stadium from May 6 through May 9 as No. 2 seed. The team will face either Murray State or Evansville on Thursday afternoon.
