WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. –The Big Ten conference office announced the league's postseason awards. Rachel Becker was named a First Team All-Big Ten selection at shortstop, while Cora Basset was selected as Second Team All-Big Ten outfielder and Kaitlyn Brannstrom received Second Team All-Big Ten at first base in addition to the All-Freshman Team.
The award marks Becker and Bassett's first league honor. Meanwhile, Brannstrom is the program's first freshman to be selected to an All-Big Ten team in 10 years (last: Lindsey Rains, first team, 2011).
Becker set the Purdue record with the highest single-season batting average at .479, which also checks in as the fifth-best mark by a Big Ten player in league history. Moreover, the Boilermaker set the Big Ten conference-only games record with 40 runs and 68 hits.
Not only did the junior lead the conference this season, but checked in with the fifth-highest average in the nation. In total, Becker ranked in the top-24 in the nation in five categories, including three in the top-9. In addition, the Lindenhurst, Illinois product topped the league in runs scored (40), and hits (68), while placing second in on-base percentage (.539) and doubles (18).
The shortstop started all 44 games this season, registering at least one hit in 36 games. Becker's .683 slugging percentage and 20 walks led to reaching base in 17 straight games to end the year.
Bassett started all 32 games she appeared in. After 103 at-bats, the sophomore secured 15 runs for the Boilermakers on 32 hits and nine walks. Not only did Bassett produce a .311 batting average, but the Newburgh, Indiana native tallied 22 RBI and 10 doubles. Bassett amassed a six consecutive-game hitting streak, reached base in eight straight games, and recorded eight multi-hit games over the season.
Brannstrom played in every game as a freshman and led the team with 30 RBI this season, good for sixth in the league. The Portage, Michigan native produced a career-best four RBI in the victory vs. Ohio State (5/1) on her way to nine games with multiple RBI. Brannstrom recorded five home runs, with one notched in each of the last five series of the season.
Senior Sydney Bates was also selected as Purdue's Big Ten Sportsmanship Award recipient. With one honoree from each institution, this player represents sportsmanship at the highest caliber within the team.
First Team All-Big Ten
Rachel Becker, Jr., SS
Second Team All-Big Ten
Cora Bassett, So., OF
Kaitlyn Brannstrom, Fr., 1B
All-Freshmen Team
Kaitlyn Brannstrom
The award marks Becker and Bassett's first league honor. Meanwhile, Brannstrom is the program's first freshman to be selected to an All-Big Ten team in 10 years (last: Lindsey Rains, first team, 2011).
Becker set the Purdue record with the highest single-season batting average at .479, which also checks in as the fifth-best mark by a Big Ten player in league history. Moreover, the Boilermaker set the Big Ten conference-only games record with 40 runs and 68 hits.
Not only did the junior lead the conference this season, but checked in with the fifth-highest average in the nation. In total, Becker ranked in the top-24 in the nation in five categories, including three in the top-9. In addition, the Lindenhurst, Illinois product topped the league in runs scored (40), and hits (68), while placing second in on-base percentage (.539) and doubles (18).
The shortstop started all 44 games this season, registering at least one hit in 36 games. Becker's .683 slugging percentage and 20 walks led to reaching base in 17 straight games to end the year.
Bassett started all 32 games she appeared in. After 103 at-bats, the sophomore secured 15 runs for the Boilermakers on 32 hits and nine walks. Not only did Bassett produce a .311 batting average, but the Newburgh, Indiana native tallied 22 RBI and 10 doubles. Bassett amassed a six consecutive-game hitting streak, reached base in eight straight games, and recorded eight multi-hit games over the season.
Brannstrom played in every game as a freshman and led the team with 30 RBI this season, good for sixth in the league. The Portage, Michigan native produced a career-best four RBI in the victory vs. Ohio State (5/1) on her way to nine games with multiple RBI. Brannstrom recorded five home runs, with one notched in each of the last five series of the season.
Senior Sydney Bates was also selected as Purdue's Big Ten Sportsmanship Award recipient. With one honoree from each institution, this player represents sportsmanship at the highest caliber within the team.
First Team All-Big Ten
Rachel Becker, Jr., SS
Second Team All-Big Ten
Cora Bassett, So., OF
Kaitlyn Brannstrom, Fr., 1B
All-Freshmen Team
Kaitlyn Brannstrom