The Missouri Valley Conference announced that Ava Smithson, Peyton Johnson, and Brynn Acton received weekly softball honors after leading their team to a 3-0 weekend against UIC. Smithson claimed her first Player of the Week award, Johnson earned his fourth Newcomer of the Week title, and Acton secured her second Freshman of the Week recognition. Smithson led the Panthers with a .636 batting average and three home runs, while Johnson maintained a .571 average with four hits. Notably, Acton had a remarkable performance in game three with three home runs, including a grand slam. The Panthers will face Southern Illinois in Carbondale, Illinois, on April 17 and 18.

By the Numbers
  • Ava Smithson had 7 hits and 10 RBIs in 11 at-bats, resulting in a .636 batting average.
  • Brynn Acton recorded 4 home runs and 10 RBIs in 12 at-bats, slugging 1.333 across the weekend.
Yes, But

While the players received individual accolades, the challenge remains for the team to maintain consistency as they approach critical matchups leading up to the MVC Tournament.

State of Play
  • The Panthers have a 3-0 record against UIC this past weekend.
  • They will compete against Southern Illinois next, a team they need to beat for a strong position in the MVC Tournament.
What's Next

As the Panthers prepare for upcoming games, maintaining their offensive momentum and solidifying team strategies will be crucial for success in the MVC Tournament.

Bottom Line

The recognition of Smithson, Johnson, and Acton highlights the Panthers' potential, but the team's future success will depend on sustaining high-level performances in crucial upcoming matches.