BRIDGEWATER, N.J. – The NEC announced their 2026 softball awards on Wednesday afternoon. FDU was represented on the All-NEC First Team by Madison Rishel, the All-NEC Second Team by Mikayla Conklin, and the NEC All-Rookie Team by Amanda Jupinka.

Madison Rishel earns her second-straight All-NEC First Team honor following an impressive sophomore campaign. Rishel led the Knights with a .374 batting average, starting 46 games in center field. Rishel racked up 49 hits, ranking second amongst all Knights. In NEC play, Rishel found another gear, hitting an absurd .485 against conference competition. Rishel also batted to a 1.049 OPS across the Knights' 24 NEC contests. A speed threat in the leadoff spot, Rishel stole 15 bases on the year, and came around to score 37 runs during the 2026 season. Rishel's 37 runs ranked third among all NEC players. 

Mikayla Conklin picked up the first postseason honor of her collegiate career, being named to the All-NEC Second Team. Conklin had a stellar sophomore campaign on the banks of the Hackensack, hitting .348 with an .810 OPS on the year. Conklin also flashed the leather in left field all season long, recording 102 putouts and five outfield assists. The sophomore also turned things on in NEC play, hitting a torrid .414 against conference opponents. A key cog in the heart of the Knights' lineup, Conklin drove in 21 runs across the course of 2026. 

Amanda Jupinka made an immediate splash in her rookie campaign, taking over a starting job as the Knights' designated player. Jupinka hit .318 as a freshman, and held down the cleanup spot with some impressive power. The Old Bridge, N.J. native ranked second on the Knights with three home runs and a .466 slugging percentage. Jupinka also sported an .858 OPS, which ranked second on the Knights' offense. 

The Knights will now turn their attention to the 2027 season, as they look to build on their impressive young core.