The SIRR-Ohio-Division all-conference softball teams were announced recently. There were four 'Birds who received all-conference honors.
Shayly Wilce was named all-conference three years in a row. Wilce batted .327 for the year and had a .404 slugging percentage.
"Shayly has been a special player for us," commented West Frankfort head softball coach Tim Ricci.
"She has had a great softball career here at FCHS."
Erika Price was also named to the all-conference team. Price gave the 'Birds a defensive mind set and was a vocal leader.
"Erika has had a great career," added Ricci. "She was our number two pitcher and a lot of the younger girls looked up to her."
Amy Bymaster is the next Redbird that made the squad. Bymaster cranked two homeruns this season and had a slugging percentage of .488. She also recorded nine doubles on the season.
"Amy has played first base really well for us," explained Ricci. "She was consistent on both sides this year."
The final 'Bird to make the team was Gena Jones. Jones batted .400 this season and recorded six doubles.
"Gena was hurt for a few games towards the end of the season and still had the numbers to be named all-conference," said Ricci.
"I’m excited to have her coming back next year."
West Frankfort did good on the diamond as well as in the class room. Seniors Jodi Williams and Price were named to the academic top ten of there class.
"It's nice to have such intelligent kids on your team," explained Ricci. "I like that these students can be dedicated to a sport and their schoolwork at the same time."
West Frankfort was 11-20 on the season and 6-4 in SIRR-Ohio-Division play.
"The season really didn't turn out the way we wanted it to," said Ricci. "Im proud of these young ladies. They never gave up and they fought until the last pitch of the season."
At the softball banquet Tim Ricci and his staff choose recipients of a few season awards.
Christi Bromley won the most improved player of the year award. "Christi did good for us this year," explained Ricci.
"She hit the ball well and she is a good base runner."
Bymaster won the defensive most improved player of the year. "Amy didn't let anything by her at first base," added Ricci. "She played great."
Two Redbirds had to share the hustle and leadership award. Price and Wilce received this honor.
"Both Erika and Shayly were the glue that held this team together," explained Ricci. "They are both great leaders."
There were eleven underclassmen who contributed to the team this year.
"We had a lot of younger girls help us out this season," said Ricci. "With the athletes we have now the future looks pretty bright for West Frankfort softball."
