DES MOINES, Iowa – University of Evansville softball players Niki Bode and Taylor Howe were recognized on Wednesday as the Missouri Valley Conference announced its postseason award.  Bode earned a spot on the All-MVC Second Team while Howe was named to the All-Defensive squad.
 
Bode led the Purple Aces with a .338 batting average in 2025.  She completed the regular season with three home runs, 24 RBI, 22 runs scored, and 22 walks.  In February, Bode had a perfect 3-for-3 effort in a win over UT Martin before picking up three hits versus Ball State in March.  She had the game-winning double in the second game of a doubleheader versus Lindenwood.
 
As conference play began, Bode continued her solid play.  She recorded five hits in eight at-bats over the final two games of the UNI series before scoring four runs in a pair of games at Valparaiso.  Bode played a pivotal role in the May 3 win over Southern Illinois as she went 2-3 with an RBI.
 
Howe put up several highlight reel plays at third base over the course of the season on the way to the defensive accolade.  A strong start to the season was highlighted by an MVC Player of the Week nod on February 25.  She batted .455 that week with a home run in all four games for UE. 
 
Her strong efforts continued as she completed the regular season with seven home runs, 31 RBI, and 33 runs while batting .285.  Howe recorded a career-best four hits in the finale at Missouri State while matching her top mark with three runs scored in the second game at Valparaiso.  She also had a strong performance in the win over SIU going 2-3 with two runs and a steal.