Iowa Lakes Community College softball players Karlee Akers and Katie Kvigne were honored by the Iowa Community College Athletic Association for their outstanding performances this past week. Akers was awarded ICCAC Player of the Week, while Kvigne earned ICCAC Pitcher of the Week honors. These awards were due to their play between March 2 and March 8, when the Lakers posted an 8-0 record.
Akers, a sophomore from Winterset, Iowa, had a tremendous week at the plate. She batted .667 during the week with a .702 on-base percentage. Akers collected 14 RBIs and scored eight runs. She also drew nine walks and recorded six stolen bases. Her best game of the stretch came against Jackson (Mich.), where she was a perfect 3-for-3. In that game, Akers scored three runs and drove in five more as the Lakers won 13-5. This season, Akers is batting .510 with six doubles, one triple, and one home run. She currently ranks fifth in the conference in batting average and second in RBIs (24).
"I am incredibly honored to be nominated for Athlete of the Week. This recognition really reflects the hard work, preparation, and dedication that our entire team puts into the season. I'm so grateful for this year's team and our coaches for constantly pushing me to grow and be the player I am today. I am also forever grateful to my family for their unwavering support and for helping shape me into the person I've become," said Akers.
Kvigne, a sophomore from Dell Rapids, South Dakota, was a dominant force in the circle. This past week, Kvigne posted a perfect 4-0 record while pitching 23.1 innings. Over the four games, she recorded 18 strikeouts and allowed only four earned runs while posting a 0.96 WHIP. Her best outing came against Mid-Michigan. In that game, she allowed just three hits over six innings while shutting out the opposition and striking out three as the Lakers won 7-2. This season, Kvigne is 8-1 in 56.1 innings with a 1.37 ERA and 54 strikeouts. She currently ranks first in the conference in wins, fourth in strikeouts, and fifth in ERA (1.37).
"I am so grateful to have received this award; however, it was not won by myself. This team has put in so much hard work over the preseason, and it is evident in the way we play. This team is strong all around, whether that be defensively, offensively, or mentally," commented Kvigne. "I would like to thank my coaches for always pushing me to be my best, and a special thank you to my family, friends, and teammates for their constant support. I can't wait to see what the rest of the season holds for this team, because I know for a fact that we are ready."
This past week saw the Lakers compile an 8-0 record, outscoring their opponents 68-27. The Lakers recorded 77 hits, including 19 extra-base hits. The team currently holds the highest winning percentage in the ICCAC (.833).
Coach King had this to say: "What an amazing accomplishment for Karlee, Katie, and the entire team. Katie has stepped into the season and has been throwing like a veteran. She shows command and confidence in the circle. Karlee has done a great job being a leader in her sophomore season. She has come up with hits in moments when we really needed one. As you can see, the entire team has had a great start to the season. Everything that has been accomplished thus far has been because of the entire team's work ethic, drive, and passion for the game of softball. These two have won the award this week, but I expect many more to be coming our way during the season."
Photo ID: Photo of Karlee Akers and Katie Kvigne attached.
MEDIA: For more information, please contact Head Softball Coach, Katie King at (712) 362-8367 or the Iowa Lakes sports information office at (712) 362-7928.