Italy Softball well represented with 5-out of-7 All-District superlatives
The Italy Lady Gladiators were loved by fans and respected by opponents as proved by their well-deserved recognition among all-district voting.
Italy received 5-out of-7 available superlative awards up for grabs in District 15 AA with junior April Lusk being named Offensive Player of the Year and sophomore Brycelen Richards being named Co-Defensive Players of the Year. Sophomore Jenna Holden earned Pitcher of the Year with senior Lillie Perry earning Catcher of the Year. Senior Britney Chambers left her mark, as well, being named Co-Utility Player of the Year.
District MVP went to Frost senior, Jae Moore, Co-Defensive MVP also went to Frost senior Hillaree Schwartz. And Co-Utility Player of the Year also went to Itasca junior Callie Pittman.
Under head coach, Tina Richards, and her assistant coaches, Johnny Jones, Michael Chambers and Melissa Souder, the Lady Gladiators finished the season as the district runner-up behind Frost and as bi-district finalists winning 1-out of-2 games in the first-round of the 2016 Playoffs.
It was an exciting final season and memorable farewell to Coach Jones who initially established Italy’s softball program which has continued to be one of the more successful programs in the state. On behalf of Italy’s fans, thanks “Jonesie” for all you have accomplished and done for our student-athletes. You’re the man, the myth and the legend!
Also, congratulations and thanks to seniors, Britney, Cassidy, Hannah and Lillie for giving it your all, for your leadership and for your dedication to Italy Softball!
SUPERLATIVES – ITALY:
April Lusk, Junior
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Offensive Player of the Year
Brycelen Richards, Sophomore
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Co-Defensive Player of the Year
Jenna Holden, Sophomore
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Pitcher of the Year
Lillie Perry, Senior
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Catcher of the Year
Britney Chambers, Senior
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Co-Utility Player of the Year
1st Team All-District – Infield:
• Hannah Washington, Senior – 3rd Base
1st Team All-District – Outfield:
• Taylor Boyd, Freshman – Left Field
2nd Team All-District – Infield:
• Cassidy Childers, Senior – 2nd Base
2nd Team All-District – Outfield:
• Brooke DeBorde, Junior – Right Field
Honorable Mention All-District:
• Karley Nelson, Freshman – Outfield
• Raegan Jones, Freshman – Outfield