University of Evansville softball first baseman Brittany Herald and third baseman Lissa Fehlman were chosen as 2008 Missouri Valley Scholar-Athletes by the league’s sports information directors for their efforts in athletics and academics this season.

Herald, a senior from Old Hickory, Tenn., made the first team of the scholar-athlete team for the first time in her career. She received honorable mention in 2007. Herald carried a 3.40 grade point average in physical education and health during the season while leading the league with a .400 batting average during the regular season. Herald wrapped up her three seasons at UE as the new leader for batting average (.376), slugging percentage (.631), and on-base percentage (.481) while tying the career mark for home runs with 23.

Fehlman, a junior from Elgin, Ill., received honorable mention for her 3.80 grade point average in interdisciplinary studies. Fehlman ranked in the top ten in the conference for assists and led all fielders during conference play with 61 assists. At the plate, Fehlman had three home runs and 13 RBI for the Aces.

To be eligible for selection to the team, a student-athlete must have a cumulative grade-point-average of at least 3.0, be at least a sophomore in academic and athletic standing and participate in at least 75% of the regular season.


First Team
Stephanie Aguero, UNI, Sr., 3.68, Exercise Science
Tiffanie Dismore!, Southern Illinois, Sr., 3.728, Radio/TV
Lauren Haas!^, Southern Illinois, Sr., 3.70, Marketing
Brittany Herald, Evansville, Sr., 3.40, Physical Education
Jen Larsen, UNI, So., 3.60, Biology
Kara Nelson, Illinois State, So., 3.35, Business Administration
Tara Oltman, Creighton, So., 4.00, English/Secondary Education
Tiffany Prager!, Illinois State, Sr., 3.64, Business Administration
Meredith Simpson!, Indiana State, Jr., 3.58, Athletic Training
Susan Slycord, Drake, Sr., 3.72, Biology/Pre-Med
Krystal Stein!^, Southern Illinois, Sr., 4.00, Speech Communication
Jessica Wakasugi, Creighton, Jr., 3.60, Business entrepreneurship

! 2007 First Team Selection; ^ 2006 First Team Selection

Honorable Mention
Marilyn Buss, Drake, Sr., 3.55, Secondary Education
TJ Eadus, Creighton, Sr., 3.00, Interpersonal Communication
Lissa Fehlman, Evansville, Jr., 3.80, Interdisciplinary Studies
Kelsey Kahler, Drake, So., 3.85, Elementary Education
Michelle Koch, Creighton, So., 3.45, Nursing
Melissa Porche, Missouri State, Sr., 3.17, Psychology
Stephanie Ramsey!, Bradley, Sr., 3.88, Elementary Education
Katie Schmidt, Southern Illinois, Jr., 3.96, Marketing
Cynthia Verhulst, Wichita State, Sr., 3.341, Spanish
Katie Wilson, Southern Illinois, So., 3.512, Elementary Education