Seven Hornettes Make All-Conference
The Southern Illinois River to River Conference announced their All-Conference team for the Mississippi Division this past week, with a total of seven Hornettes making the team. Three Nashville players made the first team, while four Hornettes made the second team.
The Hornettes finished with three players on the SIRR All-Conference First Team, Mississippi Division. Mackenzie McFeron, Sophie Heck and Karly Stanowski were each named to the first team. Overall Carterville led the way with five players on the first team. Pinckneyville had three players on the first team, DuQuoin two players, and Anna-Jonesboro had one player selected. Sparta did not have any players named to the first team.
McFeron played shortstop and batted leadoff for the Hornettes this season. McFeron finished with a .591 batting average on the season, 75 hits, and 62 stolen bases to lead the Hornettes. McFeron also led Nashville in OBP, OPS, singles, triples, plate appearances, and at-bats.
Stanowski was selected to the first team as a utility player. Stanowski was behind the plate for all 36 games this season for Nashville. Stanowski led the team with 13 doubles and 39 RBIs on the season. Stanowski tied for second on the team with six home runs this season.
Heck, the Hornettes primary center fielder this season, was one of three outfielders selected to the first team. Heck was also the only underclassmen selected as a member of the SIRR All Conference Softball First Team: Mississippi Division. Heck led the Hornettes with eight home runs this season, and was second on the team with 10 doubles, four triples, and 34 RBIs this season.
Nashville had four players selected to the second team, bringing their total to seven players overall selected to either the first team or the second team, most overall. DuQuoin had three players selected to the second team, Pinckneyville and Anna-Jonesboro each had two players selected, Sparta had one player, and Carterville had zero players selected to the second team.
Making the second team for the Hornettes was Kyleigh Guinzy, Alli Liske, Brooke Burcham, and Jenna Harris.
Guinzy, the only freshmen to be selected, was in the circle for 27 games this season, 18 of which she started. Guinzy led the team with 109 innings pitched, 12 wins, and 51 strikeouts this season. Guinzy finished the season with a 3.725 ERA.
Liske the only senior on the Hornettes this season, began the year in the circle with a no-hitter, but played the majority of the season at first base. Liske, a McKendree University recruit, led the Hornettes at the plate with 23 walks this season. Liske was tied for second on the team with six home runs on the season. Liske batted at a .316 clip this season, and finished with 27 RBIs on the season.
Burcham finished out the season, as Nashville’s primary right fielder. Burcham played all 36 games for the Hornettes this season, and finished with a .337 average on the year. Burcham was second on the team this season with 35 runs scored. Burcham led Nashville By being hit by a pitch seven times this season, five more than any other player. Burcham hit two home runs, and finished with 25 RBIs on the year.
Harris was chosen Second Team All-Conference as a designated hitter. Harris saw plenty of time in the circle, as well as at the plate this season. Overall, Harris appeared in 35 of the Hornettes 36 games this season. In the circle, Harris started 15 games for Nashville, and pitched in 21 games. Harris finished with 90.2 innings pitched this season, and finished with a 8-8 record. Harris struck out 43 batters, and finished with a 4.246 ERA. At the plate, Harris batted .308 on the season, and finished with three home runs on the year. Harris drove in 26 runs this season for the Hornettes.
Overall Nashville finished with a record of 22-14 on the season. The Hornettes won the IHSA Class 2A West Frankfort Regional, before their season ended with a loss to Pinckneyville in the IHSA Class 2A Harrisburg Sectional Semi-Finals.
