1A SOUTHERN LEAGUE: Harrison leads 10 Wolverines to honors

It’s not often a softball team has 10 players receive all-league honors.

But that was Henderson International’s distinction when Class 1A Southern League coaches recently voted on all-league teams.

Sophomore pitcher Lee Harrison was named Player of the Year to highlight the awards for the Wolverines, who won the 1A state championship Saturday in Reno.

“I’d say regardless of 4A, 3A, 2A, 1A, they’re some of the most solid softball players,” Henderson International coach Mimie Hall said. “They’re well deserved.”

Entering the state tournament, Harrison led the Wolverines (30-4) in batting average (.589), home runs (8) and RBIs (63), and was 13-4 with an 0.80 ERA and 89 strikeouts in 88 innings. She pitched a no-hitter with eight strikeouts in a 9-0 win over Carlin in the 1A state title game.

Hall said the sophomore Harrison became a better leader by word and example when the team joined the 1A Southern League this year.

“She’s able to lead the team not only physically but verbally as well,” Hall said. “She’s able to really lead.”

Freshman first baseman/pitcher Hailey Schulz, sophomore second baseman Alyssa Ayers, sophomore third baseman Pamela Sakuma, sophomore shortstop Brittany Huff, sophomore outfielder/pitcher Natasha Chapman and sophomore catcher Kendal Short received first-team all-league honors.

Second-team recognition went to sophomore outfielder Ashlyn Barela, sophomore outfielder Lindsay Seberry and freshman outfielder Alex Battest.

Pahranagat Valley’s Mike Sparrow earned Coach of the Year honors after guiding the Panthers to an 8-4 league record and within one win of a state tournament berth.

The first team was rounded out by Lake Mead pitcher Lynzee Freund, catcher Amanda Wellman and designated hitter Annabelle Liston; Pahranagat Valley pitcher Addie Canning and outfielder Roxie Lasike; and Indian Springs outfielder Kristina Espinoza.

Second-team honors went to Indian Springs pitcher Brandi Bryl and catcher Heather Thormahlen; Tonopah pitcher Britney Klapper; Pahranagat Valley first baseman Alyssa Stirling, second baseman Jamey Brede, third baseman Stevie Horrocks, shortstop Kyla Mortensen and designated hitter Tami Spencer; and Lake Mead utility player Emma Khachikian.