Central College pitcher Mariah Fritz was named co-pitcher of the year as the American Rivers all-conference softball team was revealed Wednesday. Fritz recorded all 12 of Central’s league victories in helping the Dutch capture their 13th conference title. Fritz is the 15th Central player to win league player of the year honors. Fritz is among six Central players honored, including four receiving first-team recognition. Shortstop Daria Parchert, junior center fielder Sara Tallman of Pella, and junior left fielder Shaye Witte were also first-team picks. Central coach George Wares and associate head coach Alicia O’Brien and their staff received the coaching staff of the year award. They’re assisted by Keith Jones, Marcy Roff and John Edwards. Wares is the winningest coach in Division III history with a 1,151-392-3 mark over 35 seasons. O’Brien topped the 800-win mark earlier this year and is 821-359-3 in 30 years, including 18 as head coach at Western Connecticut State University. It’s the ninth time that Wares has received league coaching honors. The award changed from coach of the year to coaching staff of the year this season. Central’s league tournament title gave the Dutch an automatic berth in the 62-team NCAA Division III tournament. Central plays host to the four-team Pella, Iowa Regional today through Sunday, and open the double-elimination tourney Friday at 4:30 p.m. against Lake Forest College (Ill.). Hear the game live on 92.1 KRLS.