Hornettes Hold End Of Season Banquet
By Brent Huelsmann
The Nashville Hornettes Softball team, gathered together at Buretta's in Nashville to hold their end of the year banquet on July 26. Fourteen of the sixteen players on the roster, as well as parents and coaches attended the banquet. The Hornettes finished the season in the Nashville Sectional as they fell to Carmi-White County in the Sectional Semi-Finals. The Hornettes finished the season with a 23-12 record, and a conference record of 7-2.
Mackenzie McFeron, Deidra Holzhauer, Jordan Stiegman, and Paige Kasten were all honored as members of the Southern Illinois River to River Mississippi Division All-Conference Team. McFeron and Holzhauer were also honored as members of the All-South team, as well as the All-State team.
McFeron was also awarded two individual awards this season. McFeron was given the award for top batting average, as well as the top offensive performer. McFeron finished the season with the second highest batting average in school history. McFeron batted .556 on the season, in 35 games. McFeron led the team with 59 singles, four triples, 53 runs scored, a .601 on-base-percentage, and 58 stolen bases.
Kasten also won two individual awards at the banquet. Kasten was awarded the Hornette Award, as well as the Defensive Award. The Hornette award goes to a member of the team that exemplifies team spirit throughout the season. Kasten was also given the award for the top defensive player. Kasten made a switch across the infield this season, switching from third base to second base.
Two players received the Most Improved Award this season. Junior Alli Liske, and Sophomore Jordan Stiegman were each given the award. Liske played first base and pitched this season for Nashville. Liske finshed with a .308 average on the season, to go along with four home runs, 22 RBIs, and 17 runs scored. On the mound, Liske pitched 22 innings in seven games. Liske finished with one win, two losses, and a 5.09 ERA. Stiegman played left field this season for the Hornettes, starting all 35 games. Stiegman finished with a .336 average, eight doubles, two triples, two home runs, 22 RBIs, and 22 runs scored.
The last individual award, was the team MVP. This season's MVP was Holzhauer. Holzhauer was the ace on the mound for Nashville this season, as well as an offensive weapon in the middle of the lineup. Holzhauer finished with 207.2 innings on the season, and a record of 22-10. Holzhauer struck out 134 batters, and finished with a 2.056 ERA on the season. At the plate Holzhaer led the team with 39 RBIs on the season. Holzhaer finished second on the team with a .402 average, 12 doubles, and five home runs.
The 2015 season, was the first season for head coach Shaun Renth, who took over from Dempsey Witte. Patrick Weathers, and Charlie Heck each returned from last year's coaching staff. Former Nashville Hornette Breanne Pelker rounded out the coaching staff. The Hornettes finished the season 23-12, and 7-2 in conference. The Hornettes lone conference losses were to eventual State Champion, Carterville, and rival Pinckneyville. The Hornettes were able to avenge their loss to Pinckneyville in the Regional Championship game. One of the most exciting games of the year, the Hornettes were able to win 3-1, on Pinckneyville's home field.
From Left To Right: Deidra Holzhauer (Team MVP), Jordan Stiegman (Most Improved), Mackenzie McFeron (Top Batting Average, Top Offensive Player), Paige Kasten (Hornette Award, Top Defensive Player), and Alli Liske (Most Improved).
