Following a near state tournament appearance, five Indianola Academy fast-pitch softball players have received post-season honors by their coaching peers.
Highlighting the list is senior Lily Putnam, who has been selected to play in the MAIS 3A/4A/5A All-Star game.
Scheduled for next Wednesday at 2 p.m., the catcher will join her teammates at Freedom Ridge Park in Ridgeland for one final high school appearance.
Also joining Putnam in being named as an All-District 2-3A selection are fellow seniors Katie Ann Page and Mattie Beth Williamson.
Underclassmen receiving this district honor are sophomore Leighton Lovelace and junior Gracie Sligh.
Receiving her second consecutive All-District nod, this past season Putnam led the Lady Colonels in hitting (.418) and RBI’s (28), while co-leading in number of hits (33) and doubles (8).
Meanwhile, despite changing positions from outfield to shortstop this past season, Williamson’s play at her new home on the field was pivotal in the IA squad’s successes this fall.
Along with her .314 batting average, Williamson co-led the team in doubles by drilling eight two-baggers.
Meanwhile, Page received her All-District honor after spending her high school career in the pitcher’s circle for the Lady Colonels.
The dependable and durable right-hander was a model of consistency. Page’s final season found her pitching 132 innings while striking out 86 opposing batters and issuing only 32 base on balls.
Lovelace, who toiled at second base for the Lady Colonels, would end her sophomore season by co-leading the team in hits (33) while accumulating a .413 batting average.
Also serving as IA’s leadoff hitter, Lovelace posted a superb .650 on base percentage; a number aided by drawing a team-high 13 walks.
Holding down centerfield for IA this season was Sligh, and her ability to track down balls hit her way did not go unnoticed by the opposition.
Possessing a strong arm, the junior completed her campaign with .293 average and a dozen runs batted in.
