Final accolades were bestowed upon a quintet of area softball players by the Iowa Girls Coaches Association to close out the 2024 season.
Sumner-Fredericksburg-Tripoli junior centerfielder Isabel Bernard was named to the Class 3A All-State first team while sophomore catcher Jamie Jones was named second team.
Bernard batted .604 (64 for 106) with a team-best 53 runs, team-high 49 steals, 19 walks, 14 runs batted in and one double.
“I first want to start by saying how grateful I am to have the opportunity to be on such an amazing team playing with such great people,†said Bernard, who was named second team all-state last season. “Making the state tournament really showed us how capable we are to go far. Next year we are going to work even harder and I’m excited to see where it will take us.â€
The Cougars’ three-year starter at catcher, Jones is a sophomore who led the club in RBI (72), doubles (17) and homers (4), She batted .476 (50 for 105). She led the entire state in runs batted in.
“With the help of all my teammates and coaches, (this) happened. So many amazing opportunities came out of this season, and it was so much fun,†Jones said. “We are coming hungry next year and are going to take on every opportunity that comes our way.â€
Wapsie Valley’s Taylor Buhr and Peyton Curley were named to the Class 2A all-state third team.
Curley batted a team-high .461 (47 for 102) with a team-high 47 runs scored and team-best 32 steals. She collected 15 runs batted in, 15 walks, two home runs and a triple.
“I think that we’ve both worked hard for the positions that we play and I’m glad to see that we got recognized for that,†Curley said. “I couldn’t have done it without the help and support of my coaches and teammates; they always have my back and keep the energy fun during the tough moments of the game.â€
Buhr split time as a pitcher and shortstop as a sophomore. She went 7-4 in 13 starts and 18 appearances, with one save, in the circle. Buhr struck out 90 and posted a 3.36 earned-run average.
Buhr hit .440 (48 for 109) with a team-best mark for hits, 37 runs, 32 RBI, 19 steals, nine doubles, seven walks, and one homer.
“As Peyton said, it all comes from the people around you throughout the season that push you to be your best,†she said. “Along with having an opportunity like this, I am also super excited for Peyton and me.â€
Starmont’s Keelie Curtis was named Class 1A All-State honorable mention. A senior infielder, she led the club in average (.475), hits (28 for 59), RBI (16), runs scored (15), walks (14), doubles (10) and picked up all three Stars’ homers.
“I love playing softball, and I’m glad that I was able to play at a very competitive level in our conference my last year,†she said. “Because of the competition, I believe I was pushed to play better.â€
