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Meet the 2014 All-Metro softball first team

By Star Tribune, 06/02/14, 10:17PM CDT

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PITCHERS


Sydney Smith, Maple Grove softball, jr., 2014 Metro Player of the Year

PITCHERS

SYDNEY SMITH

Maple Grove, jr.

Standing 6 feet and with a fastball that tops out in the mid-60s, Smith sports a nationally prominent profile. StudentSports.com ranks her as the country’s No. 11-rated junior pitcher. A 19-1 record with 232 strikeouts, 0.59 ERA, five no-hitters and a perfect game. Batted .587 with three home runs and 24 RBI. Committed to LSU as a sophomore.

 

KYLIE STOBER

Lakeville South, sr.

A righthanded pitcher who relies on moxie and movement to get batters out. The only pitcher signed by the University of Minnesota this year. “Minnesota likes me for how well I can spin the ball, my composure and my work ethic,” Stober said. Struck out 153 batters in 94⅓ innings with a 4.5-to-1 strikeout-to-walk ratio.

 

HALEY SCHANKS

North St. Paul, sr.

At 5-6, Schanks is not big for a pitcher but makes up for it with long arms and a devastating riseball. “She’s got the whip,” coach Cliff Charpentier said. Led the Polars to the Class 3A, Section 4 championship, giving up only two earned runs in section play. Posted a 14-3 record and hit .450. Headed to Concordia (St. Paul).

 

HANNAH BERGH

Orono, sr.

Bergh proved to be more than ready to take over the role of staff ace. A hard thrower with good movement, she pitched in all but two games and compiled a 16-3 record with a 0.68 ERA and 161 strikeouts. One opposing coach said Bergh can “win games by herself.” Signed with North Dakota.

 

CATCHERS

JORDAN MAUCH

Maple Grove, sr.

Standing over 6 feet, Mauch paired with Smith to make one of the state’s tallest batteries. Her arm and exceptional quick release have allowed only two stolen bases in three seasons. Came alive as a hitter this year, clubbing five home runs and hitting above .500. Will play with older sister Mandi at MSU Mankato.

 

ERIKA ROZELL

Lakeville North, sr.

Fantastic athlete who controls the game from behind the plate. Unparalleled arm strength keeps opposing baserunners in check. The ball jumps off her bat, leading to more than 100 career RBI. Batted .388 in the rough-and-rugged South Suburban Conference. Soon to be a Gopher.

 

FIELDERS

MADDIE HOULIHAN

Benilde-St. Margaret’s, jr., 1B

A five-year varsity veteran, the future Gophers infielder is a slick fielder at first base and an uncanny hitter who always makes contact. She hit .657 — her third consecutive season hitting .600 or higher — with 37 RBI, 26 runs scored and 20 extra-base hits. Struck out only twice in the past two seasons.

 

BECKY SMITH

Orono, sr., SS

An all-around athlete in the truest sense. Smooth in the field with exceptional hands, a supersonic arm and a quick release. Batted .457 with six home runs and 29 runs scored. An unflappable leader who makes the players around her better. Signed to play for Minnesota Duluth next season.

 

JESSICA MEIDL

Lakeville North, OF

Her speed and glove in the outfield gaps routinely turn base hits into outs. Superb contact hitter who gets up the line quickly and puts pressure on the defense. Hit .417 this season and led the Panthers in stolen bases for four years, swiping more than 100 in her career. Bound for MSU Mankato.

 

KYLIE MACZIEWSKI

Bloomington Jefferson, SS, sr.

Rock-solid in the field and the leader of a Jaguars offense that led the tough South Suburban Conference in runs scored. Possessing a quick bat with a lot of pop, currently hitting .531 with eight home runs, 14 doubles and 32 RBI. Will play for St. Catherine University.

JIM PAULSEN

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