For The Tribune
BROWNSTOWN
Jami Bryant received three special awards during the Brownstown Central softball team’s postseason awards program Monday night at Brownstown Central Middle School.
Bryant was named the Braves’ most valuable player for the 2017 season.
Coach Monte Ault said that honor is voted on by the team.
Bryant did all the pitching for the Braves this season, compiling a record of 12-15 with 171 innings. She allowed 236 hits, and 143 runs, of which 66 were earned for an earned run average of 2.70. She had 138 strike outs and walked 27.
She ranked third on the team batting with an average of .325, going 27-for-83 with three doubles, 16 RBIs, 17 runs and a team-high 10 walks.
“She was a very good pitcher,” Ault said. “She worked hard all four years. She wasn’t going to overpower most hitters. She worked hard on her changeup.”
Ault said when Bryant first started taking pitching lessons, the first pitch she threw hit the roof of the building they were in, and the second pitch almost hit the roof.
“She spent a lot of time making herself better,” he said.
Bryant and her battery mate, catcher Leah Stidam, were named to the Mid-Southern Conference first team.
They were the only two seniors on the team.
“Leah was dedicated and became an outstanding catcher. She was a leader on and off the field,” Ault said.
Stidam received the defensive award. She had 179 chances, 142 putouts, 28 assists and 9 errors for a .950 defensive percentage.
She topped the team in home runs with three, had 12 RBI and scored 11 runs. She received her letter jacket.
Freshman Addy Krieger was the recipient of the hitting award. She was 33-for-89 for an average of .371. She had seven doubles, one home run, topped the team in RBIs with 23 and scored 14 runs.
Zoe Fountain, another freshman, was named MSC honorable mention.
She batted .309 by going 25-for-81, and led the team in runs with 29.
“She was one of the fastest girls on the team,” Ault said. “In this game you need a lot of players with speed. I want to see her steal a lot of bases next year. She played a nice shortstop.”
Claire Poulton, the only sophomore on the team, received the mental attitude award.
Poulton, the Braves’ regular first baseman, batted .279 on 24-of-86. She was second on the team in runs with 21 and RBIs with 17.
“Claire always had a great attitude, and she worked to be the best player she could be.” Ault said.
Ault said the young team made strides in the season.
“Going into the season I thought we could be around .500 or a few games above,” he said. “We were fifth in the conference (5-4). We lost to Silver Creek 3-1, and they won the conference (9-0), and Corydon won the (Scottsburg) sectional.
“As coach that is what you want, for the girls to improve. All the freshmen done a real good job. What we’ve got coming back, and what we’ve got coming up I’m excited.”
Five freshmen earned varsity letters.