University of Northern Iowa Athletics
Panther softball’s Benesh, Johnson named MVC Player and Newcomer of the Week
3/10/2026 3:01:00 PM | Softball
ST. LOUIS — The Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) announced its weekly softball awards on Tuesday morning. Skylar Benesh was named MVC Player of the Week, while Peyton Johnson was named MVC Newcomer of the Week. This is the third MVC weekly honor in Benesh's career, and the second Player of the Week honor, after receiving Freshman of the Week last season and Player of the Week earlier this season. For Johnson, this is the first Valley Weekly award of her career.
Skylar Benesh batted .714 in a doubleheader split with Murray State to open conference play, with five hits, five runs, and four RBIs in seven at-bats. Benesh recorded a double, a triple, and a home run in the two-game series with 11 total bases for a 1.571 slugging percentage. The sophomore second baseman recorded five putouts and six assists for a 1.000 fielding percentage. Benesh was 1-for-1 with runners in scoring position and 3-for-3 with runners on the base path. She was also 3-for-3 with two outs.
Peyton Johnson batted .500 in the two-game series with Murray State, with six hits, one run, and two RBIs in six at-bats and a walk. Johnson recorded six putouts for a 1.000 fielding percentage. The junior outfielder was 1-for-1 with runners in scoring position and 4-for-4 with success at advancing runners.
The Panthers head to Highland Heights, Kentucky, for the NKU tournament hosted by Northern Kentucky. UNI will take on Detroit Mercy and Northern Kentucky on Friday, March 13, Northwestern and Northern Kentucky on Saturday, and Northern Kentucky on Sunday.
UNI softball action can be followed all season long on social media on Facebook (UNI Softball), X (@UNISoftball), and on Instagram (@unisoftball). The 2026 schedule and roster, along with the latest Panther news and information can be found online at UNIpanthers.com.
