LOCK HAVEN, Pa. – The IUP softball team capped another memorable season by leading the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference in the classroom, posting the highest team grade-point average among the league's softball programs during the 2025-26 academic year.

The Crimson Hawks recorded a 3.735 cumulative team GPA, the highest among all PSAC softball teams. Across the conference's 21 sponsored sports, IUP softball ranked sixth overall in team GPA, highlighting the program's commitment to academic excellence under head coach Shawna Bellaud.

The academic recognition adds to a season that was one of the most successful in program history. On the field, the Crimson Hawks tied the program record with 38 victories, captured the PSAC West regular-season championship and advanced to the PSAC Tournament semifinals.

Several players also etched their names into the program record book during the historic campaign. Delaney Patella concluded her decorated career as IUP's all-time home run leader, while Madison Pikula became the program's career leader in hits. Both players earned multiple postseason honors, including all-region recognition, while Patella was also named a College Sports Communicators Academic All-American.

The program's success extended beyond the diamond. Five Crimson Hawks earned College Sports Communicators Academic All-District honors, while numerous student-athletes received PSAC Scholar-Athlete recognition for maintaining outstanding academic achievement throughout the year.

IUP also celebrated a senior class of nine student-athletes whose leadership helped guide the Crimson Hawks to one of the finest seasons in school history. Their accomplishments on the field and in the classroom leave a lasting legacy as the program looks to build on its recent success.