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2014 ALL-NORTH OAKLAND AREA SOFTBALL: Diamond gems offer up stellar lineup

Dan Stickradt | July 28, 2014 | Comments (0)

FOR MORE SOFTBALL COVERAGE: http://northoaklandsports.com/?s=Softball&x=8&y=11

BY DAN STICKRADT

SENIOR EDITOR

dan.stickradt@northoaklandsports.com

Twitter: @LocalSportsFans

Another season, another assembly of stellar talent.

That simply describes the 2014 All-North Oakland Area Softball Team.

Selected by NOS staff in conjunction with area coaches, this year’s bumper crop has it all — heavy hitters, sure-handed fielders, speed on the base paths and in the outfield, quality arms from the circle and pure instincts all over the diamond.

This year’s team features 15 players on the first team and 16 players on the second team, while Lake Orion’s Joe Woityra and Pontiac Notre Dame Prep’s Betty Wroubel have been named Co-Coach of the Year.

Below are the profiles of each member named to the team.

FIRST TEAM

Pitchers

HALEY ZEMMER, Troy Athens: Named to the All-Area First Team for the fourth straight season, Zemmer departs Athens as one of the school’s all-time best players. The pitcher-infielder hit .417 with a .575 on-base average this season, laced three home runs, drove in 29 runs, had 28 walks, 46 hits and 17 extra base hits. From the circle, she finished 22-13 with 272 strikeouts, posted a 1.69 ERA, allowed only 23 walks in 224 innings and posted seven shutouts. Named All-OAA Red Division, All-District, All-Region and All-Oakland County, Zemmer finished with a school record 1,066 strikeouts and has signed with Oakland University.

SIERRA GONZALES, Lake Orion: Although she is not flashy, Gonzales has proven to get the job done time and time again as a two-year starter. The sophomore led the Dragons to back-to-back OAA Red Divisions and district titles, this season going 15-7 with a 2.54 ERA with 137 strikeouts. She earned All-OAA Red Division, All-District and All-Region honors.

“Sierra is a two-time All-Region pitcher. She has exceptional control with 19 walks while facing 609 batters,” said coach Joe Woityra.

Catchers

HANNAH BULLARD, Pontiac Notre Dame Prep: Named to the All-State First Team Division 2 along with All-Catholic, All-District and All-Region, Bullard was “as solid as they come behind the dish,” according to coach Betty Wroubel. This season the junior hit .345 with 52 RBI, including seven game-winning RBI. She threw out 14 of 26 runners attempting to steal, picked off two runners and allowed only two passed balls all spring.

“She’s a great leader who really improved her game this season,” added Wroubel.

ASHLEY MESSINA, Troy: As a junior, Messina cracked the record books at Troy. The All-State First Team Division 1 pick hit .410, tied a school record with 36 RBI, scored 21 runs and belte3d 13 extra base hits. Behind the plate, she set another school mark with seven pickoffs and was 9-for-10 in stolen bases. She is starting to garner plenty of college interest.

“Ashley is a fantastic catcher and a tremendous threat at the plate,” said coach Tom Calnen. “I look forward to her returning and leading a young group in 2015.”

Infielders

KRISTIN NOACH, Rochester Adams: Holding the fort at first base, Noach earned All-OAA White Division and All-District honors for the league co-champion Highlanders. This season she posted a .990 fielding percentage and batted .375 with 24 RBI, 10 doubles and one home run.

SARA BEYER, Rochester Stoney Creek: The junior third baseman had a fine season for the Cougars, who moved up into the OAA White Division this spring. She hit .484 with 25 runs, 44 hits, 15 doubles, three triples, two home runs, 36 RBI and 71 total bases. She also had a.495 on-base average, a .780 slugging percentage and struck out only three times all season. She fielded at a .922 clip, making only four errors with 36 assists and 11 putouts, which helped her garner Team MVP, All-OAA White Division and All-District honors. She also won eight game pitching.

“She’s an outstanding athlete and human being, a real leader off and on the field,” said coach Jerry Price.

RACHEL VIEIRA, Clarkston: This junior shortstop garnered All-OAA Red Division, All-district, All-Region and All-State First Team division 1 honors after posting impressive numbers over 35 games. In 112 at-bats, Vieira slapped 56 hits with 27 runs, 44 RBI, 36 singles, eight doubles, six triples, six home runs and hit .500 with a .525 on-base percentage for the year. She also fielded at a .937 clip with 30 putouts and 59 assists against only six errors in 203 innings on the diamond.

ALEXANDER CARPENTER, Lake Orion: Perhaps a little underrated, the versatile Carpenter was a threat anywhere on the field for Lake Orion, whether in the batter’s box, running the bases or fielding the ball. Named All-State Honorable Mention Division 1 as well as All-OAA Red Division, All-District and All-Region, Carpenter hit .493 with 57 runs scored, 31 RBI and 43 stolen bases

“Alex can excel at any position on the field,” said Woityra. “A triple threat at the plate, she’s always a threat to steal a base. I think she is the best player in the county.”

Outfielders

SYDNEY HEATH, Troy: Headed for Michigan State to continue her softball career, Heath’s high school career was a little bit unusual. She ran track as a freshmen and sophomore, qualifying for the state finals in a multitude of events both years. She also was a four-year varsity veteran in basketball, earning all-conference honors as a senior. In softball, she played only two seasons at the prep level but earned All-State First Team Division 1 accolades as a senior. This past season she hit .475 with a .584 on-base average. She hammered out 38 hits, including 11 home runs, and scored 47 times.

“Sydney was a tremendous center fielder with a great arm,” said Calnen. “Her offense sets her apart from the rest, she’s a true triple threat from the left side and I look forward to watching her play at MSU next year.”

KENNEDI THOMAS, Lake Orion: One of four Dragons named to the All-Area First Team, Lake Orion’s Team MVP also earned All-OAA Red Division, All-District, All-Region and All-State Honorable Mention Division 1 as a senior. The two-year captain posted a .516 batting average with 61 RBI and scored 38 runs. She signed with Saginaw Valley State University.

“Kennedi was an excellent team leader, ash she gives 110 percent on every play,” said Woityra. “She’s a very unselfish player, understands it takes the little things to win.”

KAYLA KNOBLOCK, Lake Orion: Part of the Dragons’ dynamite outfield, this senior earned All-OAA Red Division, All-District and All-Region honors this season. She hit .429 with nine home runs, 52 RBI and 42 runs scored. She signed with Adrian College.

“Kayla has exceptional power at the plate,” said Woityra. “She’s one of the most feared hitters in the county and a great hitter in the clutch.”

VICTORIA BAYLISS, Pontiac Notre Dame Prep: Rotating time between the outfield and the pitcher’s circle, Bayliss was exceptional during the season in leading the Fighting Irish to a district and regional championship. From the rubber, she was 16-5, struck out 100 batters (five a game) and walked only 35. She yielded only 33 earned runs and posted a 1.48 ERA with four shutouts. From the plate, she hit .496 with a .600 on-base average, scored 41 times, had 38 RBI, six game-inning RBI, and posted a .646 slugging percentage. She committed only one error in the field for a .986 percentage. She was honored on the All-Catholic, All-District and All-Region teams. Bayliss signed with University of Minnesota-Crookston

“Victoria led team in almost every offensive category,” said Wroubel. “She was a triple threat at the plate, could bunt, slap, and hit for power, she had the fewest strikeouts, she’s a real gamer as she led the team with runners in scoring position, hitting .638 in those situations.”

At-Large

KATELYNN HENDERSHOTT, Ortonville Brandon: A three-time all-league guard in basketball, Hendershott earned even more awards in softball as a junior. The No. 3 pitcher by votes in the Flint Metro League, Hendershott only garnered All-FML Second Team status this season, but still earned All-District, All-Region and All-State Honorable Mention Division 1 honors.

PAYTIN RIETHMEIER, Rochester Hills Lutheran Northwest: Her numbers might not be incredible, by Riethmeier is the ultimate competitor and gamer when on the big stage. The bigger the game, the brighter she shines. The third-year starter from the circle has led the Crusaders to three straight district championships, the past two in Division 3 after competing in D-4 as a freshman. This season she finished 14-8 with one save and a 1.76 ERA. She pitched 152 innings with a single-season school record 145 strikeouts against 34 walks in 25 appearances. At the plate, she had 28 hits, five doubles, one triple, five home runs, 15 RBI and posted a .418 batting average. She earned All-MIAC Blue Division, All-District, All-Region and All-State Honorable Mention.

“She is our team MVP. Without Paytin we’re not the team we are,” said coach Jeff Ludwig. “She keeps us in every game and gives us a chance to win. With every year she gets stronger. Heart and soul of the team. Her bat has been big as well. From the No. 3 spot in the line-up she provides clutch at bats with the occasional power surge.”

MADISON FOX, Pontiac Notre Dame Prep: A transfer from Auburn Hills Avondale, Fox gave the Irish a much-need lift in the infield, as she starred at shortstop and first base. She hit .359 with 36 runs scored, 31 RBI, six game-winning RBI, was 16-for-17 on stolen bases and hit .426 with runners in scoring position. Fox garnered All-Catholic and All-District honors.

“Madison is a transfer from Avondale who put us over the top for our season,” said Wroubel. “She has tremendous softball instincts and a very versatile player. She could play all positions. She has all of the intangibles that a coach cannot teach.”

CO-COACH OF THE YEAR

JOE WOITYRA, Lake Orion: Since taking over the Dragons’ program six years ago from the late Denny Davis, Woityra has helped this program elevate into one of the powerhouse programs in Oakland County. The Dragons captured back-to-back OAA Red Division and District titles in Division 1, reaching the regional finals this season. Lake Orion finished with a stellar 31-9 record, including 9-1 in the league after going 10-0 last season.

BETTY WROUBEL, Pontiac Notre Dame Prep: In over 20 years of coaching high school sports, including the school’s Class B state championship in volleyball last November, Wroubel “had a ball” coaching this year’s softball team. The Irish were All-State Team Academic for the 20^th straight year to prove they get it done in the classroom as well. NDP was CHSL A-B Division champions for the first time since 2007, captured its eighth straight district title, won its fourth regional title, first since 2007, and advanced to the Division 2 state quarterfinals. The Fighting Irish finished a school record 33-8-1 on the campaign.

SECOND TEAM

Pitchers

KELLY MCCASLAND, Rochester Adams: While Adams chalked up a league championship, McCasland was Miss Consistency from the circle. The All-OAA White Division honoree was 20-9 as a junior, posted a 1.17 ERA over 155 innings pitched and struck out 118 batters. She hit .324 from the plate and fielded at a .988 clip.

HALEY LENDERMAN, Rochester: After missing most of her sophomore season with an injury, Lenderman bounced back in a major way as a junior, leading Rochester to a co-championship in the OAA White Division. She was named Team MVP along with All-OAA White Division and All-District, going 9-1 in league games.

“She is one of the top pitchers in the state and in our league,” said coach Laura Guzman.

Catchers

ABBY SKVARCE, Clarkston: With several quality catchers suiting up in the area this spring, Skvarce earned the second team nod as a sophomore. She hit .490 with a. 529 on-base percentage. She collected 49 hits, 32 RBI, 33 singles, 12 doubles, three triples and a home run while posting a .911 fielding clip behind the dish in 206 innings of work.

ALIENA MAGIERA, Rochester Hills Lutheran Northwest: Part of an exceptional freshman class in the area this spring, Magiera earned All-MIAC Blue Division, All-District and All-Region honors after a sensational debut campaign. This season she blasted out a .520 batting average with 23 runs, 39 total hits, seven doubles, two triples, 17 RBI and 15 stolen bases. She also fielded at an amazing .998 clip behind the plate, yielding just one error in 24 games.

“By the time she’s done she could finish as both an All-State player as well as a League MVP,” said coach Jeff Ludwig. “One of the best pure athletes I’ve ever coached and if not the best one of the best catchers I’ve ever had at Northwest.”

Infielders

MIKAYLA BLASKA, Clarkston: This junior earned All-OAA Red Division status after hitting .509 with a .523 on-base percentage. Her totals included 57 hits, 39 runs scored, 48 singles, and a .968 fielding percentage with 61 assists and 58 putouts at second base while conceding only four errors in 192 innings of duty.

RACHEL DOLLAND, Lake Orion: Holding the fort at shortstop for the 31-9 Dragons, Dolland hit .433 with 36 RBI, 39 runs scored and 18 walks this season. She earned All-OAA Red Division and All-District accolades. In the classroom, she carries a 4.2 GPA.

“Rachel is a two-time All-District shortstop and has only been playing the position for two years,” said Woityra. “She has an exceptional arm and has very good power at the plate.”

CORI MITTLEBRUN, Troy: A four-year varsity veteran, Mittlebrun played wherever needed during her career. This season the pitcher-infielder earned All-OAA Red Division and All-District honors.

JEN SEMANN, Rochester Stoney Creek: The senior four-year varsity veteran departs as one of the school’s all-time best. She earned All-OAA White Division and All-District honors.

SKYE DONALDSON, Oxford: While Oxford ventured through a rebuilding campaign, Donaldson was a bright spot. The junior shortstop and co-captain earned All-OAA White Division and All-District honors with a .448 batting average and a .500 on-base percentage. She collected 39 hits, 11 doubles, three triples, scored 20 runs and drove in 23 runs.

“Skye hits for power, has a tremendous arm, and great knowledge of the game,” said coach Jessica Granger. “She was a leader for our team this year as a co-captain. I look forward to an outstanding senior season from her next year.”

Outfielders

AMANDA MIDFELT, Troy Athens: A four-year starter in the outfield, Mildfelt anchored at center field as a senior. The All-OAA Red Division and All-District pick hit .374 with a .419 on-base average, collected 44 hits and drove in 29 runs for the 24-14-1 Red Hawks, who tied for third in their league.

EMMA COAHCRAN, Pontiac Notre Dame Prep: Another standout outfielder for the Irish, this sophomore worked her way into not only a starting position, but All-District and All-CHSL-AA Division honors as well. She batted .379 with a .545 on-base average, scored 28 runs, drove in 26 runs and led the Irish with 19 sacrifices. She was voted the team’s “Most Improved Player.”

JORDAN LOCKHART, Auburn Hills Avondale: Part of a talented freshman class at Avondale which should make the Yellowjackets more competitive in the near future, Lockhart brought her talents from the travel league to the high school scene and earned All-OAA White Division, All-District and Team MVP honors after splitting time between the outfield and catcher. This season she hit .456 with 33 RBI and scored 38 runs in 27 games.

“Jordan has been a great asset to the team,” said coach Lisa Allain. “She is very eager and exciting to watch.”

ALEX BRINKMAN, Rochester: Although she is a standout travel hockey player and will play that sport at Grand Valley State next school year, Brinkman had plenty of success on the softball diamond as a three-year starter. This season she earned All-OAA White Division and All-District honors.

At-Large

CANDACE KITCHEN, Clarkston: Named the Wolves’ Team MVP to go along with All-OAA Red Division, All-District and All-Region honors in Division 1, Kitchen’s junior campaign included a .993 fielding percentage, as she had 107 putouts and 28 assists. At the plate, she batted .447 with 38 hits, 26 runs and 22 RBI.

KAYLA TISON, Auburn Hills Oakland Christian: This junior pitcher-infielder earned All-MIAC Red Division and Al-District honors for the third straight season as a junior. She had 26 hits, five doubles, three triples, two home runs, 25 RBI, a .553 batting average, a .596 on-base percentage, a .915 slugging percentage and a .975 fielding percentage, making just one error all season. From the rubber, she was 3-3 with 41 strikeouts.

“Kayla was our Team MVP. She was first-team all-conference and was in the discussion for League MVP but lost out to a senior,” said coach Mike Tison.

LAUREN GENERALD, Troy Athens: The senior first basemen and co-captain garnered All-OAA Red Division and All-district honors this season. She hit .349 with a .407 on-base percentage, blasted three home runs and had 43 total hits all while fielding at over a .950 clip.

2014 ALL-NORTH OAKLAND AREA SOFTBALL TEAM

FIRST TEAM

Pitchers

Sierra Gonzales      Lake Orion               Sophomore

Haley Zemmer         Troy Athens              Senior

Catchers

Hannah Bullard       Pontiac Notre Dame Prep  Junior

Ashley Messina       Troy                     Senior

Infielders

Kristin Noach        Rochester Adams          Senior

Sara Beyer           Roch. Stoney Creek       Junior

Rachel Viera         Clarkston                Junior

Alexander Carpenter  Lake Orion               Junior

Outfielders

Sydney Heath         Troy                     Senior

Kennedi Thomas       Lake Orion               Senior

Kayla Knoblock       Lake Orion               Senior

Victoria Bayliss     Pontiac Notre Dame Prep  Senior

At-Large

Katelynn Hendershott Ortonville Brandon       Junior

Paytin Riethmeier    RH Lutheran Northwest    Junior

Madison Fox          Pontiac Notre Dame Prep  Junior

CO-COACH OF THE YEAR

Joe Woityra          Lake Orion               Sixth Season

Betty Wroubel        Pontiac Notre Dame Prep  20^th Season

SECOND TEAM

Pitchers — Kelly McCasland, Rochester Adams jr.; Haley Lemmerman, Rochester jr.

Catchers — Abby Skvarce, Clarkston soph.; Aliena Magiera, Rochester Hills Lutheran 
Northwest fr.

Infielders — Cori Mittlebrun, Troy sr.; Rachel Dolland, Lake Orion jr.; Mikayla Blaska,
Clarkston jr.; Jen Semann, Rochester Stoney Creek sr.; Skye Donaldson, Oxford jr.

Outfielders — Amanda Mildfelt, Troy Athens sr.; Emma Cochran, Pontiac Notre Dame Prep
soph.; Jordan Lockhart, Auburn Hills Avondale fr.; Alex Brinkman, Rochester sr.

At-Large — Kayla Tison, Auburn Hills Oakland Christian jr.; Lauren Generald, Troy Athens
sr.; Candace Kitchen, Clarkston jr.

HONORABLE MENTIONS

Auburn Hills Avondale — Brook Sawyers, fr. INF-P; Auburn Hills Oakland Christian — 
Not available; Clarkston — Mariah Hood, soph. OF; Madeline Maday, jr. P; Holly — 
Katie Dewey, fr. INF; Katie Ordiway, sr. INF; Lake Orion — Megan Hall, jr. 1B; Carly
McGee, soph. 3B; Ortonville Brandon — Elizabeth Walls, jr. C; Kiana Goltz, jr. OF;
Sabrina Lauinger, sr. INF; Hunter Mateer, jr. OF; Oxford — Cheryl Banas, jr. 2B; 
Pontiac Notre Dame Prep —Micaela Gleason, fr. P; Hannah Antosz, jr. SS-2B; Lauren 
Perkins, sr. 3B; Katherine Swartz, jr. OF; Rochester — Emily Smith, sr. C; Katie 
Swart, sr. 2B; Rose Myers, fr. 3B; Rochester Adams — Samantha Baker, sr.3B; Haley 
Willis, soph. INF; Juliet Filbin, jr. 2B; Hannah Bakentine, sr. C; Rochester Stoney
Creek — Carly Cribbs, jr. 2B; Rochester Hills Lutheran Northwest — Emily Griffith, 
sr. 2B-OF; Ashley Gryzwac, jr. 1B; Kelly Dyer, jr. INF; Lisa Dyer, jr. INF; Troy —
Sally Muller, sr. 2B; Troy Athens — Mary Grace Stark, sr. 3B; Sarah Watson, sr. OF;
Jensen O’Branovic, jr. C; Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes-Clarkston Everest 
Collegiate Unified — Kathleen Balon, soph.; Madison Ebel, sr.; Ashley Lowney, jr.;
Sarah Kowalczyk, sr.; Angelina Mastromatteo, sr.

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