Four Cardinals earn all-LHC softball recognition

With no seniors and plenty of underclassmen in the starting lineup, the Newton softball team experienced plenty of ups and downs this summer.

The Cardinals scored narrow wins over Pella (twice), Oskaloosa, Grinnell and Pella Christian, lost two close games to state-ranked and Class 4A state semifinalist Norwalk and were blown out five times during Little Hawkeye Conference play.

The next step for the Cardinals, who can bring everyone back, is to find consistency throughout the lineup and improve their defense.

Four players were recognized for their efforts this summer, too, as freshman Mack Sims and sophomore Katelyn Lambert earned second-team all-conference recognition and juniors Hailey Sumpter and Peyton Durr were honorable mention picks.

The Cardinals finished in a logjam with three other teams at 7-14 and Grinnell was just one game better at 8-13.

All-conference recognition is based on statistics inside conference play only.

Sims was a second-team outfielder after batting .300 and finishing with an on-base percentage of .351. She ranked tied for 10th in the conference with 20 runs, led the team with 34 total bases and tied for the team lead with eight steals, six walks and two homers.

Sims also registered five doubles, one triple and 11 RBIs.

Lambert was a second-teamer as a utility player. She batted a team-best .367 and led the team in conference play with a .433 OBP. She tied Sims with eight steals, was hit by a team-most four pitches and registered 14 runs, three RBIs, three walks and 22 total bases.

Durr batted .270 and had an OBP of .304. She led the Cardinals with 16 RBIs and finished with five runs, four doubles, one home run, two walks, four steals and 24 total bases and she was hit by two pitches. Her fielding percentage was .949.

Sumpter batted .276 and had an OBP of .343. She tied for fourth in the conference with six doubles and tied for the team lead with two homers and six walks. Sumpter also finished with two runs, 15 RBIs and 28 total bases and she was hit by one pitch.

As a pitcher, Sumpter was 5-9 with one save. She struck out 50.

Little Hawkeye Conference

Softball

Final Standings

Team Conference Overall

Norwalk 18-3 31-9

Dallas Center-Grimes 18-3 29-11

Indianola 16-5 27-12

Grinnell 8-13 22-14

Newton 7-14 15-18

Pella 7-14 14-19

Oskaloosa 7-14 18-29

Pella Christian 3-18 10-28

All-Conference

First Team

Pitchers — Aubrey Johansen, jr., DCG; Zadie Wadle, sr., Norwalk.

Catcher — Gretta Dodd, sr., Grinnell

Infielders — Rhiannon Rees, fr., Grinnell; Macee Reiling, jr., DCG; Kiley Kindelspire, so., Indianola; Brynn Ortlund, sr., Indianola.

Outfielders — Olivia Huston, sr., DCG; Dana Blake, so., Indianola; Jaylynn Brandt, jr., Norwalk.

Utility — Ava Curry, jr., Pella; Ella Grife, sr., Grinnell; Nyah Hubert, so., Norwalk.

Second Team

Pitchers — Olivia Dougherty, jr., Norwalk; Izzy Sloan, sr., Indianola.

Catcher — Lauren Black, jr., Norwalk.

Infielders — Emri Agre, sr., Pella Christian; Bailey Birmingham, so., Norwalk; Jordyn Gripp, sr., Indianola; Bella Mulder, jr., DCG.

Outfielders — Mack Sims, fr., Newton; Lydia Zaruba, jr., DCG; Summer Campbell, jr., DCG.

Utility — Katelyn Lambert, so., Newton; Emma Eekhoff, so., Pella Christian; Reese Burke, jr., DCG.

Honorable Mention

Hailey Sumpter, jr., Newton; Peyton Durr, jr., Newton; Kaylee Cary, sr., Norwalk; Kylie Tauke, sr., Pella; Katie Scheckel, fr., Pella; Kyra Robins, jr., Indianola; Katie Fosenburg, jr., Indianola; Kelsey Van Compernolle, sr., Grinnell; Kylee Bond, fr., Grinnell; Maddy Van Zee, fr., Pella Christian; Faith Kacmarynski, so., Pella Christian; Abby Osborn, sr., DCG; Zoey Valenta, sr., DCG; Maleah Walker, sr., Oskaloosa; Shannon Van Rheenen, so., Oskaloosa.