Buffalo's Emily Hansen won the 2018 Ms. Softball Award after another stellar season with the Bison. Photo by Cheryl Myers, SportsEngine
Though Buffalo's Emily Hansen failed to add a state title to her legacy this season, the senior shortstop can claim to be one of the most decorated individual softball players in the state.
The Minnesota commit was named to the Class 4A all-state team and selected as the Star Tribune Metro Player of the Year, and she can add the 2018 Ms. Softball award to her list of accomplishments. She was announced as the winner June 17 during an awards ceremony at Target Field.
After posting .685 batting average as a junior, Hansen came into her senior year as one of the most feared hitters in the state. As a result, Hansen was intentionally walked 13 times this season. However, Hansen took advantage when getting pitches to hit, finishing with 15 home runs and 36 RBI in regular season and section tournament play.
Hansen's strong play resulted in Buffalo making its fourth consecutive trip to the state tournament. The Bison took fourth place in this year's Class 4A tournament and Hansen was named to the all-tournament team.
This is the first time a Buffalo player has won the Ms. Softball award, which is given out annually by the Minnesota Minute Men and Minnesota Twins to the best senior softball player in Minnesota. Seven finalists were announced earlier this month and can be found below.
These players were selected by a panel of high school and college coaches, as well as professional scouts. Athletic and character attributes as well as season accomplishments were considered by award voters. The award finalists represent the finest senior players in the state.
Player | Position | School |
---|---|---|
Kailey Ahlstrom | Pitcher | Prior Lake |
Megan Baniecke | Pitcher | Forest Lake |
Emily Hansen | Shortstop | Buffalo |
Abby Lien | Catcher | Eastview |
Mary Pardo | Second Base | Blaine |
Maddie Schwartz | Pitcher | Chanhassen |
Delaney Young | Shortstop | Park of Cottage Grove |