ALL-STATE SOFTBALL: Five Devils, two Jackets make first team
Published 7:37 am Saturday, May 29, 2010
Five members of Mortimer Jordan’s Class 5A state runner-up team, along with a pair from Corner’s Class 4A third place squad, have been named to the 2010 Alabama Sports Writers Association’s All-State Softball Team.
It’s a familiar lineup for the Blue Devils, as all five selections were repeats from the 2009 team the won it all, though in different positions.
Morgan Estell, named last year as a catcher, made the team this time at first base after switching positions in the off-season.
Heather Parker was named as a pitcher, after being chosen as a utility player last season. She missed out on repeating as the Class 5A MVP and Pitcher of the Year, which went to Hillary Mavromat of Scottsboro and India Kornegay or Eufaula, respectively.
Danae Hays, named as a DH in ‘09, was selected at shortstop this year.
Blair Johnson made the team as a utility player, after her pitcher selection this year, primarily due to missing much of the 2010 season with a broken arm.
Haylie McCleney repeats as an outfielder selection.
Alyssa Linn, who received an honorable mention at third base last year, got that honor again as an outfielder.
Kelly Hendrix, whose Athens squad upset Jordan in the finals of the state tournament, beat out Devils’ coach Laura Rickman for Coach of the Year.
In Class 4A, pitcher Heather Anderson made the all-state team for the first time.
She joins Preslie Cruce, who repeats from 2009, this time as a second baseman. Cruce made last year’s list as a designated hitter.
Third baseman Kayla Estes was given an honorable mention for her play at third base.
The winner of the 2010 Miss Softball award will be named on June 7.