MISHAWAKA, IN. --   Madonna softball coach Al White was honored as the 2004 NAIA Region VIII Coach-of-the-Year, while Emily Cunningham and Arin Fowler were named to the All-Region team at the conclusion of the regional tournament at Bethel College.

White led MU to their first ever WHAC championship and a #1 seed in the Region VIII tournament, it is his first ever regional honor.

Cunningham and Fowler, both first team All-Conference selections were the offensive catalysts for the Crusaders this season.  The pair also teamed up to defeat Indiana Wesleyan with a two-run double and RBI single respectively to send the game to extra innings in which Madonna eventually won in the 11th.

Also honored at the conclusion of regional play were four Crusaders named to the All-Tournament team.

LF Mary Warchuck who hit .235 in five games with a double and RBI and .944 fielding percentage and 1B Krystal Shina who his .412 with two doubles and two RBI's while slugging .529 were named to the all-tournament team. 

Joining them were catcher Arin Fowler who hit .250 with two doubles and a team high five RBI's and pitcher Kelly Nilson who earned the decision in every game, going 3-2 with a 2.53 ERA and 22 strikeouts in 32 innings of work.

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Contact: Matt Fancett, SID (734) 432-5610