July 11, 2008

ROCHESTER, Minn. - Illini junior shortstop Brandon Wikoff (Peoria, Ill.) was named the Northwoods League Player of the Night from Thursday's games after going 3-for-3 with three walks and five runs in Madison's 15-12 win over Alexandria. Teammate Joe Bonadonna, who played second base and left field, was 4-for-4 with three runs, an RBI, a walk and a sacrifice bunt.

The honor is the first for an Illini player in the Northwoods League this season and the first of Wikoff's career. He is now hitting .313, which is tied for second on the team, with 30 runs, 41 hits and 25 walks, all of which are team bests. Bonadonna also is hitting .313 in 11 games since joining Madison, and his .452 on-base percentage leads the squad.

Madison currently stands in fourth place in the NWL South Division with a 2-4 record in the second half of the season. The Mallards captured the first-half division title with a 22-11 record, winning the divison by a half-game over the Wisconsin Woodchucks and ensuring a playoff berth.

Madison will be hosting the NWL All-Star weekend on Sunday and Monday, July 13-14, where Illini sophomore pitcher Phil Haig will be representing the Rochester Honkers.