Freshman right fielder Hope Howell was named to the second team All-Big Ten after finishing the conference season with a .421 batting average. Junior third baseman Shanna Diller garnered third team honors, hitting .360 with an .820 slugging percentage against Big Ten opponents.

Howell started every game for the Illini, compiling a .435 on-base percentage, good enough for fifth best all-time in the Illinois single season record books. In the final 11 conference games, Howell was 13-for-28 along with seven runs scored.

Diller began the Big Ten tournament with a six-game hit streak and hit safely in all but three of the team’s 15 conference games. With seven home runs against Big Ten opponents, Diller was the Illini’s biggest source of power in conference play.

Diller has made a name for herself at the plate, becoming one of the most notable hitters in Illinois softball history. Her 28 career home runs are only five short of the record – 16 of her home runs came this season, tied for most in a season with teammate Angelina Mexicano.

Both Diller and Howell were hitless in the team’s final game against No. 10 Michigan in the first round of the Big Ten Tournament. The Illini fell to the Wolverines 4-0.