GREENWOOD, Ind. - The Malone University softball team had two honorees of Academic All-District from the College Sports Communicators (CSC). Sophomores Morgan Cantrell and Marlee Pireu were selected as CSC Academic All-District recipients for the first time in their careers.
 
In order to be eligible, a student-athlete must have a 3.50 cumulative grade point average or higher and at least a sophomore academically. On top of academic achievements, the CSC also has athletic nomination criteria for participation and high-level success in a given sport.
 
Cantrell, a native of Ashville, Ohio, secured a spot on the Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC) Second Team with her work in the outfield for the Pioneers in 2026. She led the team with a .347 batting average, .954 OPS, 43 hits and five triples. She also stole a team-high 18 bases on 20 attempts.
 
Pireu was a staple in the lineup and on the Malone infield. The Massillon, Ohio native batted .311 and had the most runs scored (35) and homeruns (5) on the squad. Pireu was also a standout defender for the Pioneers at third base with just one error on the season in 80 chances (.988 fielding percentage).