Seven Softball Players Receive Postseason Honors

As the Edison State Community College softball team wrapped up their season, the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference named seven players recipients of postseason awards for the 2026 season.

Marissa Pine, of DeGraff, claimed spots on the All-OCCAC First Team as a pitcher and the All-OCCAC Second Team as a designated hitter/utility. Additionally, the OCCAC named Pine Pitcher of the Year. The sophomore maintained a .333 batting average with nine RBIs in conference play. She also earned a spot on the National Junior College Athletic Association Region XII DII Softball All-Region Team.

"Marissa outdid her impressive 2025 season in the circle, breaking the single-season and career records for wins, ERA, strikeouts, innings pitched, games started, and complete games," said Head Softball Coach Miranda Huddle. "She brought just as much to the offense this season, finishing with a .429 batting average. Her leadership in the circle, selflessness, and team-first mentality shined all season long."

Freshman Taylor Bauer also earned a spot on the All-OCCAC First Team. Bauer, from Decatur, Indiana, maintained a .468 batting average with three HRs, 17 RBIs, and 10 SBs in conference play.

"Taylor had a standout freshman season in center field, at the plate, and on the base paths. She covered a ton of ground in the outfield and made multiple diving catches," Huddle said. "She was a consistent leadoff for our offense, finishing with a .449 batting average. She finished with 19 stolen bases as she was a true threat with her speed."

Joining Bauer and Pine on the All-OCCAC First Team is Jenna Dirksen, from Versailles. The sophomore maintained a .431 batting average with two HRs and 21 RBIs in conference action.

Huddle said, "Jenna took on a larger role this season as she moved over to shortstop, and she provided a lot of leadership for our infield and entire team. She finished with 78 assists, 63 putouts, and six double plays. Jenna put in a ton of work to make a much larger impact on offense this season, and she now holds the career home run record with 14."

The OCCAC named Mackenzie Byrne to the All-OCCAC Second Team. The Arcanum freshman maintained a .373 batting average with four HRs and 26 RBIs in conference play.

"Mackenzie led the offense this season as a freshman, finishing with a .466 batting average," said Huddle. "She broke the single-season record for doubles with 19 and tied the single-season home run record with eight. She held down first base for the majority of the season, contributing eight assists, 163 putouts, and six double plays."

Zoey Hodge also claimed a spot on the All-OCCAC Second Team. The sophomore from Union maintained a .469 batting average with four HRs and 15 RBIs in conference action.

"Zoey was a major contributor in the circle this season, racking up 15 wins and 65 strikeouts," Huddle said. "She is now second for career records in wins, ERA, strikeouts, innings pitched, games started, and complete games. She brought a lot to the plate offensively, especially when called in off the bench in crucial moments, finishing with a .419 batting average."

The OCCAC also included Izzy Holp, from Brookville, on the All-OCCAC Second Team. The sophomore maintained a .404 batting average with one HR and 11 RBIs in conference play.

"Izzy put in a ton of work during the offseason to greatly improve her skill set from her freshman season. She took on the majority of catching duties this year and broke the single-season records for fielding percentage, putouts, and total chances," said Huddle. "Izzy brought a lot of power to our offense and a lot of energy to our team on and off the field."

Joining Byrne, Hodge, Holp, and Pine on the All-OCCAC Second Team is Abigail Kadel. The sophomore infielder from Casstown maintained a .298 batting average with two HRs and 10 RBIs in conference action. 

Huddle said, "Abigail was consistent for our defense at second base all season long, finishing with 48 assists, 58 putouts, and two double plays. She brought maturity and leadership as she returned to our middle infield after last season. She provided a lot of contact in the lineup offensively this season."

The Lady Chargers finished their season 35-8 overall and 17-3 in the OCCAC with three postseason appearances in the NJCAA Great Lakes District B tournament in Findlay, Ohio.