ST. LOUIS – Four members of the UIC softball team have earned all-conference recognition as announced by the Missouri Valley Conference Wednesday morning. Three student-athletes earned a spot on the All-MVC Second Team while one was named to the MVC All-Defensive Team. This marks the first time since 2021 (in the Horizon League) that the Flames have had three or more players named to the all-conference team. 

Senior Sam Tourtillott, junior Siena Stickney, and freshman Sophie Gerochi all earned a spot on the All-MVC Second Team while sophomore Nina Pesare was named to the MVC All-Defensive Team for their performances during the 2026 season. All MVC honors were voted upon by the coaches across the league. 

Leading on and off the field, Tourtillott wrapped up her campaign as the top hitter for the Flames in her lone year. She finished her senior season with a .359 batting average after going 56-of-156. Recently named an MVC Scholar-Athlete, Tourtillott led the Flames in runs (42), doubles (16), triples (3), home runs (8), and RBI (36), while tying for the lead in stolen bases (11). A versatile player, Tourtillott also led the Flames defensively, recording 263 putouts with a .993 fielding percentage. 

A vital two-way player for the Flames, Stickney made herself known on the diamond. Recording a 20-game hitting streak from March 20^th through April 22^nd, the junior finished the year with a .347 avg. and 50 hits on the season. After starting in all 54 games this season, Stickney tallied 30 runs, 31 RBI, and was a perfect 9-for-9 in stolen bases. 

Beginning her collegiate career, Gerochi became a key player in the Flames outfield. Splitting time between center field and left field, Gerochi tallied a .963 fielding percentage. Offensively, the true freshman found her momentum, wrapping up her first year with a .354 avg. after collecting 29 hits. With 40 games played, Gerochi tallied 18 runs, eight RBI, one double, two triples, a home run, and seven stolen bases. 

In her second season with the Flames, Pesare started in all 42 games she appeared in. As a slap-hitter, Pesare batted .355 with 39 hits. The outfielder closed out the year defensively with a .986 fielding percentage while producing 23 runs, 10 RBI, and a perfect 8-for-8 in stolen bases. 

The 2026 all-conference accolades mark the first honors that each of the four players have received in their careers. 

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