IVCC softball wins Conference recognition

Four Illinois Valley Community College softball players and their coach have been recognized in the Arrowhead Conference.

The Lady Eagles won the Arrowhead Conference for the 2023-2024 season, finishing with a 13-3 conference record. It’s the sixth such win in Coach Cory Tomasson’s tenure.

Additionally, pitcher Katie Bates, catcher Ella Sibert, outfielder Maddy Klicker and infielder Hailey Rakers were named to the Arrowhead Athletic Conference All-Conference Team.

“They truly earned their spot on the All-Conference team, but I believe that others could have easily been named to the team also.  Katie Bates had an amazing season and the highest batting average in the conference by far. She had a 7-1 pitching record in conference with a 2.01 ERA and defeated every team in the conference!”

Tomasson celebrates his 25th year as head coach with another title: Arrowhead Conference Coach of the Year.

“This was such a fun year.  It is always great to win the conference. The players all contributed," he said.

Tomasson said the team hopes to make another run for the championship next year, when over half the team is expected to return for the new season. “However, the sophomores that are graduating have played such a big part in this program over the past two years. We will surely miss them both on and off the field.”

Earlier this year, men’s basketball head coach Chris Herman was named All-Arrowhead Conference Coach of the Year, and three of his players earned All-Conference Team honors.