BRIDGEWATER, N.J. (May 6, 2006) – Stonehill softball freshman shortstop
Juli Murillo was named the 2026 NEC Rookie of the of the Year announced by the League on Wednesday afternoon. Murillo also was named to the All-NEC second team along with senior catcher
Jessica Brill.
A two-time NEC Rookie of the Week selection, Murillo became the first Stonehill softball player to be named the Rookie of the Year in the Division I era and first for the program since Debbie Payne in 1988.
The Long Island native finished sixth amongst conference leaders in batting average posting a .374 average, including .450 against conference opponents. Additionally, Murillo was a slick fielding shortstop, defensively, leading the NEC turning seven double plays against NEC opponents and second overall with 11. In a 12-1 victory over FDU, Murillo drove in a career single-game high five base runners, going 2-for-3 from the top of the Skyhawk lineup.
Also a two-time NEC Prime Performer, Brill earned All-NEC second team honors after posting a .375 batting average against conference foes. In addition to providing an offensive spark to the middle of the Skyhawk lineup, the Natick, Massachusetts native led the NEC throwing out seven would-be base stealers.
