Pitched the Bulldogs to their first state championship with a stellar 25-0 mark and a microscopic 0.19 earned run average. Struck out 209 batters in 181 innings and walked just 16. Did not give up an earned run in her first 131 innings. Fanned 15 batters and walked just one while allowing one run on four hits in two Class 3A final four starts. Will continue her career at Austin Peay University.
C: Lynna Fisher, senior, Alton
Lynna Fisher, Alton softball
Paced the Redbirds with seven home runs and 31 RBI. Added a nifty .812 slugging percentage. She also played third base and drove in four runs on three different occasions. Went 3-for-4 with two home runs and four RBI May 19 in a 13-2 Southwestern Conference victory against O’Fallon.
IF: Sydney Parkerson, senior, Highland
Sydney Parkerson, Highland softball
Triggered the Bulldogs’ Class 3A state-title winning attack with a team-best four home runs and 21 RBI. A flawless fielder at shortstop, she drove in a season high four runs in an 8-1 win over Sterling in the state semifinals. Parkerson is headed to Truman State University.
IF: Jane Kaniecki, senior, Waterloo
Jane Kaniecki, Waterloo softball
Hit an impressive .520 with five home runs and 40 RBI for the Bulldogs, who lost to eventual state champion Highland in a Class 3A sectional final, which was the program’s best postseason showing since 1989. Had 26 extra-base hits, accounting for almost half of her hit total of 53. Made just three errors in 175 chances. Signed with ×îÐÂÐÓ°ÉÔ´´ University.
IF: Nicole Edmiaston, sophomore, Freeburg
Nicole Edmiaston, Freeburg softball
Batted .523 with 43 RBI, second in the area to teammate Lizzy Ludwig (45). Drove in two runs or more 12 times, including a six-RBI performance in a 20-8 win over Civic Memorial on April 22. Recorded a pair of four-hit efforts and banged out three hits in five different games for Class 2A super-sectional qualifier.
IF: Kiley Beth Kirchner, senior, Alton Marquette
Kiley Beth Kirchner, Alton Marquette softball
Played a key role in helping the Explorers to a 20-6 record. Hit .452 with a team-best .634 slugging percentage. Had 32 RBI and began the season with 10 RBI over the first three games. Stole 23 bases without being caught.
OF: Ava Khoury, senior, Columbia
Ava Khoury, Columbia softball
Led the Eagles with seven home runs and 29 RBI. Recorded a team-best .750 slugging percentage. Also posted a 6-6 record in the circle with a 3.07 ERA. Hit two home runs and drove in all four runs in a 4-2 win over Flora in postseason play. Signed with Illinois Wesleyan.
OF: Avery Hamilton, sophomore, Edwardsville
Avery Hamilton, Edwardsville softball
Hit .351 with a team-high 13 doubles to pace the Tigers, who compiled a 21-6 mark and won a regional title. Recorded nine multi-hit games. Compiled a 3-0 record in the circle with a 1.26 ERA as part of a three-pitcher rotation. Tossed the first perfect game for Edwardsville since 2003, setting down all 21 batters in a 5-0 win over Alton on May 27.
OF: Taylor Geluck, senior, Belleville West
Belleville West Taylor Geluck
Scholar Athlete
Hit a team-high .513 and led the Maroons with three home runs and 31 RBI. Drove in four runs in an 8-6 loss to Southwestern Conference rival Edwardsville on May 25. A Post-Dispatch Scholar Athlete selection, she ranked first in her class of 448 and will attend Washington University in ×îÐÂÐÓ°ÉÔ´´.
UT: Sydney Bires, senior, Gillespie
Sydney Bires, Gillespie softball
A two-way threat in the circle and at the plate, she went 16-4 with a 1.86 ERA for the Miners, who compiled a 22-7 mark and won a regional title. Fanned 153 batters in 124 innings. Also, hit .509 with a slugging percentage of .825. Topped the team with three homers. Signed with McKendree.
UT: Adi Foutch, junior, Breese Central
Adi Foutch, Breese Central softball
Hit a school-record 10 home runs and drove in 34, both team highs, and helped the Cougars win a Class 2A regional title. Of her 41 hits, 21 went for extra bases, including 11 doubles to give her a slugging percentage of .837. Drove in four runs in a 7-4 win over Waterloo on May 15.