STEVENS POINT – UW-Stevens Point softball announced recently the team's yearly awards, as voted on by the team. Junior utility player Brittany Zelenka (Marathon) was named Offensive Player of the Year, sophomore first baseman Lauren Watkins (Baraboo) was named Defensive Player of the Year and sophomore utility player Elyse Nelson (Batavia, IL) was the recipient of the Pointer Award, given to the player who exemplifies spirit, hard work and dedication.

Zelenka finished the season as the Pointers leader in batting average (.374), slugging percentage (.582) and on-base percentage (.424). She finished tied for second on the team in hits (34) and finished second in RBIs, driving in 22 runs.

Watkins finished second on the team in batting average (.315) in 111 at bats and collected a team-best 35 hits. She had four home runs and three doubles on the season, adding to 16 RBIs. Defensively she converted 265 put outs at first base with 12 assists and committed 10 errors for a fielding percentage of .965.

Nelson finished the season batting .277 in 39 games played. In 112 plate appearances, she collected 31 hits including five doubles and five home runs. She added 19 RBIs to her total, slugging .455 on the season. On the mound, Nelson compiled a 1-3 record in 16 appearances, including four starts. She posted a 3.95 ERA, striking out 21 batters while walking just 14.

The Pointers finished the 2009 season 21-20 overall, 5-11 in the WIAC. It marks the 16th straight season the Pointers softball team has finished with 20 or more victories in a season.