Eason, Hodges, Herrera and Buncy headline SSAC honors for the Night Hawks
Published 3:27 pm Friday, May 2, 2025
DECATUR, Ala. – The 2025 SSAC softball year-end award winners were announced Wednesday ahead of the upcoming 2025 SSAC Softball Championship, presented by Buffalo Wild Wings. The Night Hawks earned four all conference honors while 21 were named to the SSAC Barnes & Noble All-Academic team.
Ansley Eason, Grace Hodges, and Baileigh Herrera were selected first team all conference.
Eason was a force at the leadoff spot for the Night Hawks hitting .397 making her seventh in the conference in batting average, with 58 hits and 16 RBI. Defensively, she held strong finishing with 74 putouts and 83 assists.
Hodges added onto to what was a one-two punch at the top of the order for Thomas, averaging .357 with 51 hits, 20 RBI and 11 doubles. In the outfield, she had 108 putouts and held several baserunners at bay with her arm.
Herrera earned her selection through being solid both in the circle and at the plate. As a pitcher, she finished with 13 wins, six losses, and two saves in 24 apperances while posting an ERA of 1.71. Batting wise, she averaged .259 with 14 hits, three RBI, and four doubles.
Annalise Buncy earned second team all conference following a breakout year for the sophomore. The Jensen Beach, Florida native was a nightmare for opposing pitchers at the dish, hitting .329 with 50 hits, five homers, and 34 RBI. Additionally, she had 13 doubles and three triples to go along with 77 putouts and four assists in the field.
Kristin Steller made her way on to the SSAC Champions of Character Team as the representative for Thomas in the 2025 season.