Lebanon, IL - The McKendree University Softball team had quite the week. The Bearcats defeated #8 West Texas A&M on Saturday morning, plus got a pair of run-rule wins while they were in Chattanooga. All that is bound to garner recognition of some kind, and Monday afternoon affirmed that with the announcement of Lauren Harris as the Great Lakes Valley Conference's Softball Player of the Week. 

Harris had a high-quality week, led by a .500 batting average and a 1.395 OPS. The senior tallied 10 hits, four of which were of the extra-base variety, including a home run.

Harris added 7 RBI and 2 walks to go with 2 stolen bases. She had a 1.000 fielding percentage, with 4 putouts and 12 assists on 16 total chances. 

McKendree's shortstop is the first honoree of the season, and first since Harris herself won the honor back in February of 2025. The Bearcats won the award twice in 2025, with Laynee Tapp being the other such player from last season. 

The Bearcats are off from games this week, with their next game action being Saturday, February 21st at #24 Missouri Southern State.