In voting by Northwest Conference softball coaches for the 2014 baseball season. senior Kirstin Hicks, a pitcher/first/third baseman from Crestview was named Player of the Year after being runner-up for that honor during the 2013 season.  In a close vote, Helm edged out junior Hope Schroeder of Columbus Grove by 3 points with senior Erin Conkle of Allen East finishing another 4 points back.

Crestview coach Carl Etzler tallied 20 points to be named Coach of the Year at the all-conference selection meeting Monday evening in Delphos.  Etzler led the Knights to an 8-0 record and a Northwest Conference championship.  The coaches of the co-runnerup teams,  Travis Gallmeier (Columbus Grove) and Tony Rumer (Bluffton) finished second and third respectively in the balloting.

Kirstin Hicks batted .475 with 6 home runs and 42 RBI's for in leading the Knights to an undefeated league championship.  Hicks also posted a 9-4 record as a pitcher.

Bluffton's Maddie Willis, junior, was named to the first team.

Bluffton's Sami Fruchey, sophomore, and Mackayla Wilson, junior, were named to the second team.

Bluffton's Lauren Parkins, junior, and Taylor Monday, sophomore, were named honorable mention.

The complete NWC list and team standings are in an attachment at the bottom of this story.