Taylor earns OAC Softball Player of the Year, Rodman, Timko, and Born garner All-OAC honors

Taylor earns OAC Softball Player of the Year, Rodman, Timko, and Born garner All-OAC honors
May 12, 2026

Muskingum softball senior standout Cara Taylor was named the Gayle Lauth Ohio Athletic Conference Softball Player of the Year while also being named First Team All-OAC for her impressive senior campaign. Additionally, junior Bethany Rodman and sophomore Kasey Timko received All-OAC First Team honors, along with junior Tareyn Born, who was named Honorable Mention All-OAC. 

Taylor was a dominant presence at the plate for the Muskies all year, posting a .530 batting average, which ranks first in the conference and 5th nationally. Taylor currently ranks second in the nation in doubles with 23. Taylor totaled 71 hits, 31 RBIs, 53 runs, and two home runs on the year. Taylor posted an impressive on-base plus slugging percentage of 1.437, which was tops in the conference. She was also a terrific base runner, scoring 53 runs and stealing 20 bases, which is at the top of the conference. Taylor is also a force in the field, with a fielding percentage of .970.

Rodman, a First Team selection for utility, had an impressive season at the plate and on the mound. Rodman posted a batting percentage of .416, which ranked her seventh in the conference. Rodman tallied 37 hits on 89 at-bats with 30 RBIs, while racking up five home runs and seven doubles. On the mound, Rodman recorded a record of 12-4 with an ERA of 3.09, good for third in the conference. Rodman pitched nine complete games and totaled 45 strikeouts. 

Timko, a First Team selection, was the centerpiece of the Muskies' infield. Timko recorded 54 putouts, along with 84 assists, and turned five double plays, all while recording a fielding percentage of .945. At the plate, Timko posted a batting average of .361 with 48 hits and 36 RBIs. Timko recorded an on-base plus slugging percentage of .911 while also scoring 24 runs for the Muskies.

Born, an Honorable Mention selection, put together an impressive season in the circle for the Muskies. Born recorded an ERA of 3.45, which ranked fifth in the OAC. Born posted a record of 8-5 with seven complete games. She tallied 45 strikeouts and allowed only 79 hits in 75 innings pitched. Born held her opponents to a .264 batting average. 

These Muskies will look to add to their impressive season when they travel to Swarthmore to face Case Western Reserve in the NCAA Regionals on Thursday. 

The All-OAC honors are voted on by league coaches.