The postseason is beginning to ramp up for the Cottey Comets Softball team, as they will begin play at the American Midwest Conference tournament today. On the eve of the tournament, the All-Conference selections were announced at the banquet Monday evening. The Comets had eight players recognized for their efforts this year.
Landing on the Third Team were Amelia Gassman and Brooke Vicory. Gassman played shortstop and was one of the main pitchers for Cottey this year. Gassman hit .339 at the plate, and pitched over 83 innings in the circle. Vicory put in over 74 innings on the mound, and hit .400 in her limited time at the plate. Her 3.56 ERA lead the team pitching staff.
Abigail McPherson and Elizabeth Thomas were honored on teh Second Team. McPherson, a Freshman, had a wonderful debut season for the Comets, getting some critical victories for Cottey while pitching on her way to throwing five complete games. Thomas hit .392 this season, with an OBP of .474. She was in the Top 10 of multiple statistical categories for hitting, including for her 8 Home Runs on the year.
The Comets had two players on the first team, Lauren Johnson and Karina Ramirez. Johnson led the team in Home Runs with 11, to go along with a .394 batting average and .497 on base percentage. Her 47 RBIs also led the team this season. Ramirez sprinted her way into the record books this year, swiping 55 Stolen Bases, to go along with hitting .354 and having a .429 OBP. Her 57 Hits led the way for the Comets this year, starting the lineup off strong in the leadoff spot. Ramirez was also honored with a Gold Glove Selection. Ramirez has not committed an error in the previous two seasons, an incredible feat which speaks to her defensive prowess. Madison Hyder also received the Champions of Character award for the Comets.
The Comets also placed 12 on the Academic All-Conference roster: Braylen Ford, Aariana Castillo, Halen Hoelzeman, Madison Hyder, Lauren Johnson, Virginia Nordin, Aryana Palencia, Karina Ramirez, Katlynn Smith, Elizabeth Thomas, Brooke Vicory, and Jenna Wilson
The Comets enter the AMC Tournament as the #4 seed, where they will take on #5 Columbia College in the opening round. The first game is set for Noon today.
