Tolar dominates All-District 11-2A softball rosters

Tolar dominated the District 11-2A All-District softball rosters released on May 27, with five players winning superlative awards and sophomore pitcher Reese Tryon being honored as the district's Most Valuable Player.

The Lady Rattlers (22-6) made their longest-ever run into the Class 2A playoffs with a trip to the regional quarterfinals behind Tryon's pitching as the hurler went 21-6 with a 1.400 earned run average and recorded 177 strikeouts over 109 innings. Tryon was also a force at the plate for Tolar as she and Senne Imel (Utility Player of the Year) tied with a .493 batting average.

Tryon led Tolar with 30 RBI, .836 slugging percentage, popped three home runs, eight doubles and three triples (tied with Imel). The quick-handed righty was perfect at fielding 52 chances and had no errors.

"Reese dominated on the mound with an ERA of 1.400 and at the plate with a slugging percentage of 1.238. Reese puts in the hours practicing, and as her coach, I appreciate her dedication and discipline. I always tell her I absolutely love watching her play the game. It's pure joy," coach Christy Collie said.

CO-CATCHER OF THE YEAR

Baili Deaver's work behind the plate produced spectacular plays and rock-solid defense, and the senior had 170 putouts and a stunning .968 fielding percentage. Deaver smacked the ball at a .444 average as she produced 32 hits and 20 RBIs.

"Baili is an outstanding softball player, and she stands out behind the plate catching and at the plate batting. I call her the 'Executor' the reason why is because when asked to make something big happen, Baili gets the job done at the plate hitting or behind the plate catching. Baili didn't get to throw many out this season because they never ran on her. That's how good she is," Collie said.

UTILITY PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Imel didn't play like a freshman as she blanketed the field in several positions and a .893 fielding percentage and tied for the team lead in batting average with .493. The most stunning fact is how hard it was to strike out the first-year varsity player, as she had only three strikeouts in 87 plate appearances.

"Senne was chosen for utility player of the year because she is that type of athlete who can play anywhere and be good at it. She played left field, second base, and third base for us this year. Senne is a freshman this year, and I am looking forward to what she will bring next year. Senne was also moved around in the batting line-up, but I loved her leading off. She is what I call a triple-threat lefty. She can hit home runs, slap hard or lay down a pretty drag, then uses her speed down the line," Collie said. 

DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Shortstop Hope Grivette's bat almost overshadows her defensive skills, and her 4-4 performance against Petrolia in the area championship generated five RBIs. Grivette had a .771 fielding percentage, and she was the lynchpin in stopping run threats.

"Hope is a smooth shortstop infielder. Don't let her size trick you because she is fast to the ball and throws the ball hard. Hope was a strong leader on defense and made amazing plays that are forever etched in my memories," Collie said.

OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Senior Kodi Gay backed up Tryon in the circle and provided power at the plate as she socked 21 hits and had 14 RBIs and a .323 batting average.

"Kodi left her mark at the plate her senior year. Out of her four years of play, this was her best offensive year hitting as she slugged .545 and her first-ever home run. She had nine RBIs and an on-base percentage of .980. Kodi is a positive energy that will be missed next season," Collie said.

FIRST AND SECOND TEAM

Makayla Moore and Allyson Dobbs were honored as first-team selections, and Jorden Walker was named to the second team. Courtlynd Hogan was the team's lone honorable mention selection.

ACADEMIC HONOREES

Four Lady Rattlers were named to the All-District Academic team, including Deaver, Dobbs, Imel and Moore.

COLLIE'S TAKEAWAY

"As I sit and reflect on this past season, I see many personal goals met, and team goals met, but mainly I see a team that loved each other deeply and made memories that will last a lifetime. This is my goal as their coach – to build up girls who will be world-changers wherever they go in life, and I truly believe my goal was reached this season. Now to say goodbye to the five seniors and welcome back the underclassmen and upcoming freshman. History in the making continues," Collie said.

Editor's Note: The Hood County News did not receive Lipan's all-district listing until after our print edition's press time. We will publish a separate article for the Lady Indians.

Russell@hcnews.com | 817-573-7066 ext. 231