The Greenfield Recorder compiled a list of softball All-Stars for Franklin County and the North Quabbin Region. Coaches input and relevant statistics factored into the final decisions for qualification.
Skyler Steele, Frontier Regional
Steele was an absolute menace at the plate for the Redhawks. The junior hit a robust .516 with 13 home runs and 32 RBIs. In addition to her offense, Steele was one of the best shortstops in Western Mass. During the season, Steele struck out exactly zero times and walked on 32 occasions.
Lindsey Taylor, Franklin Tech
The Elms College commit got hot at the right time for the Eagles during their playoff success. Taylor’s hitting and fielding in centerfield helped Franklin Tech win a Western Mass. Class B championship before a run to the Round of 8 in the statewide tournament. The Eagles also won the State Vocational championship. For the season, Taylor batted .367 with 24 RBIs on 33 hits.
Jacobia Tyminski, Pioneer Valley Regional
Tyminski was an all-around team leader for the Panthers. She mashed at the plate, leading the team with a .452 average. Tyminski had 28 hits on the season and emerged as the team’s top option in the circle during Pioneer’s first venture into the Round of 16 since the new state tournament format.
Brayleigh Burgh, Franklin Tech
Burgh’s consistency in the circle brought a Western Mass. Class C and State Vocational championship to Turners Falls. She finished the season 12-10 with 16 complete games and 116 strikeouts.
Maddie Haight, Turners Falls
Haight hit .455 and was a consistent presence in the outfield for the Thunder. Haight led Turners Falls in batting average. Her range and arm out of right field was exceptional all season. Her total on base percentage was .512.
Riley Tine, Frontier Regional
The emerging eighth grader was a consistent bat near the top of the lineup for the Redhawks. Tine batted .439 with three homers and 32 RBIs. Behind the plate as a catcher, Tine showed consistent improvement.
Laylah Goulston, Pioneer Valley Regional
The junior center fielder used her speed to help elevate Pioneer’s defense and offense this season. Goulston patrolled the outfield for Pioneer, using her phenomenal range to cover ground. She batted .439 with 23 stolen bases for the Panthers.
Raine Wonsey, Frontier Regional
Wonsey had 148 strikeouts with an 1.89 ERA in the circle for the Redhawks. An injury late in the season stunted these gaudy statistics. At the plate, she batted .426 with three homers and 18 RBI.
Addie Loomis, Mohawk Trail Regional
The senior was one of the better catchers around and batted .600 on 42 hits for the Warriors.
Lexi Hawkins, Frontier Regional
The eighth grader got her share of starts in the circle due to injury. Hawkins excelled in her opportunities as a pitcher. In 65 innings, Hawkins had 71 strikeouts and a 1.51 ERA. At the plate, Hawkins batted .313 with six doubles and 18 RBIs.
Grace Stevens, Mohawk Trail Regional
The pitcher went over 100 strikeouts for the season for the Warriors. At the plate, she showed consistent improvement.
Charley Knight, Franklin Tech
Knight was second on the team in batting average and third in hits for the Eagles. Playing first base, Knight had 122 total chances to make defensive plays and did not commit an error for a perfect fielding percentage. Knight hit .318 with 14 RBI.
Olivia Lemay, Greenfield
In her full first season as a starting pitcher, Lemay had 171 strikeouts. The freshman did damage at the plate, hitting .397 with 16 RBI on 27 hits.
Lexi Ares, Mahar Regional
Ares presence in the circle helped the Senators to a winning season and their first-ever state tournament victory. Ares had 14 strikeouts in the Senators’ 14-7 win over Lee on May 28 in the Division 5 preliminary round.
Madisyn Dietz, Turners Falls
The leftfielder was second on the Thunder in batting average in her senior season. Dietz hit .392 with 10 stolen bases in her final year with Turners Falls.
Grace Laurie, Greenfield
Laurie hit .333 for the Green Wave this season. She amassed 22 hits and led the team with 19 runs scored.
Gracie Gauthier, Athol
In a May 18 win over Gateway, Gauthier had 19 strikeouts for the Bears. In the same game, Gauthier hit a walk off single to go along with five hits and eight RBI.
Honorable Mention
Sandra Johnson, Franklin Tech; Maggie Tsipenyk, Pioneer; Madison Lemay, Greenfield; Emmalee Inman, Mohawk; Jaelyn Boliski, Pioneer: Sadie Wilcox, Mohawk; Lucianne Burnap, Pioneer; Kayden Viencek, Greenfield. Janelle Massey, Turners Falls. Autumn Thornton, Turners Falls; Sophia Rotkiewicz, Greenfield.
