May 17, 2000
NORMAN, OKLA. - On the eve of its NCAA Regional opener, four Northwestern softball players earned all-mideast region honors as announced by the National Softball Coaches Association (NFCA). Designated player Brooke Siebel, (Brentwood, Tenn./Father Ryan), outfielder Erin Jancic (Houston, Texas/Alief Elsik) and first baseman Jenn Shull (San Jose, Calif./Presentation) were selected to the first team while freshman pitcher Lauren Schwendimann (Tustin, Calif./Foothill) earned second-team honors.
Siebel, the 2000 Big Ten Player of the Year, is hitting .381 with 10 doubles, six home runs and 26 RBIs in 38 games. It marks the third consecutive season Siebel has earned all-region recognition. Jancic, a second-team All-Big Ten selection, leads the team with 36 RBIs while batting .325 with 19 extra-base hits including six homers. Shull has put together her best season, hitting .307 with 23 RBIs while Schwendimann has emerged as the Wildcats' ace, finishing the regular season at 18-10 with a 1.76 ERA and 196 strikeouts in 183 innings pitched.
Northwestern opens NCAA regional play tomorrow evening, taking on Oregon State at 5 p.m. in Norman, Okla.