MANKATO, Minn. --- Five members of the Minnesota State softball team have been named to the College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Team for their efforts on the field and in the classroom this season.

Junior McKayla Armbruster, sophomore Cheyenne Behrends, junior Sydney Nelson, junior Kacy Nickerson and junior Ellie Tallman were all named to the CSC Academic All-District Team. The CSC Academic All-American Teams will be announced on June 6.

To be nominated a student-athlete must be a starter or important reserve with at least a 3.50 GPA. They must compete in at least 50% of the team's games or pitch at least 10 innings. Student-athletes also need to complete at least one full year at his or her institution and be at least a sophomore academically and athletically.

A pitcher from Faribault, Minn., McKayla Armbruster went 21-10 this past season as she boasted a 1.91 ERA. She recorded eight shutouts and struck out 201 batters, while holding opposing hitters to a .231 batting average. Earlier this season, Armbruster was named to the All-NSIC First Team.

An infielder from Clarksville, Iowa, Cheyenne Behrends started in all 50 games for the Mavericks this season at third base. She batted .273 with 10 doubles, six home runs and 27 RBI. She also scored 30 runs and coaxed 22 walks.

An infielder from Beresford, S.D., Sydney Nelson started in all 50 games for the Mavericks at shortstop. She drove in 13 runs, while scoring 12 runs. She also coaxed 12 walks and went 5-for-5 in stolen base attempts.

A pitcher from Ottumwa, Iowa, Kacy Nickerson went 5-5 this past season as she stuck out 43 batters while maintaining a 3.74 ERA. She also threw one shutout in 19 appearances. Nickerson struck out a season-high six batters in two games this past season.

An infielder from Martelle, Iowa, Ellie Tallman started in all 50 games for the Mavericks this season at second base. She led the team with a .384 batting average and 58 hits. She also scored 27 runs and drove in 27. She was named to the All-NSIC Second Team.

 Minnesota State finished its 2023 season with a 31-19 record.