BIRMINGHAM, Ala.-Three Delta State University softball players were rewarded for spectacular play by being named to the All Gulf South Conference Softball Team on Wednesday. Pitcher Edie Oliver and centerfielder Crista Richard were named to the First Team, while shortstop Brittany Eikner was named Second Team.

The awards are voted on by the leagues coaches.

Seniors Brittany Eikner and Edie Oliver were named for the third time in their careers, while junior Crista Richard earned her first honor.

Oliver was named First Team All Conference in 2007, and Second Team in 2009. The senior pitcher was named to the First Team after posting a record of 14-14 with a meager 2.12 E.R.A. Oliver now ranks second all-time at DSU with 382. The Eupora native also ranks third all-time with 51 wins in the circle at DSU.

Eikner was named to the Second Team after a career year at the plate for coach Casey Charles. The senior has a career high .345 batting average with one home run, and 26 RBI's. The Grenada native needs one RBI to tie her career high of 27. Eikner easily bested her previous career high of 43 hits, with 58 in 2010.

Richard was named to the First Team centerfielder in her first season with the Statesmen. The speedster leads the team with a .368 batting average, and has started all 52 games. The Crowley, La., native is hitting .408 in GSC contests, and leads the league with 42 hits in league games. The Alabama Southern C.C. transfer also leads the Lady Statesmen with 12 stolen bases.

The Lady Statesmen will return to action on Friday at 11:00 a.m. DSU will take on Alabama Huntsville in the first round of the Gulf South Conference Tournament at Greenbrook Park in Southaven.