Wahama sophomore Maddy VanMatre (23) produces a hit during an April 27 softball contest against Point Pleasant in Hartford, W.Va.
Bryan Walters/OVP Sports
Wahama freshman Hannah Rose releases a throw to first base during a May 4 softball contest against Williamstown in Hartford, W.Va.
Bryan Walters/OVP Sports
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — No capes, but they were still a dynamic duo.
Wahama landed two players on the West Virginia Sports Writers’ Association Class A all-state softball teams for the 2017 campaign — as voted on by a select panel of media members throughout the Mountain State.
Hannah Rose and Maddy VanMatre each garnered all-state accolades for their efforts this past season, a spring that witnessed the Lady Falcons put together one of the more historic campaigns in school history.
Rose — a freshman — earned first team honors as an infielder, while VanMatre — a sophomore — came away with second team honors as a catcher. Both are first-time recipients of all-state accolades in softball.
The Lady Falcons finished the year with a 23-10 overall mark and came away with the program’s first-ever outright softball title in the Tri-Valley Conference Hocking Division, going 14-2 in league play. WHS also shared TVC Hocking titles in 2012 and 2013.
Wheeling Central junior Marissa Garlitz — a pitcher — was named the first team captain, while Notre Dame sophomore Kira Riffle — a utility selection — was chosen as the second team captain.
Wahama was the only Mason County program to land a player on the Class A squad as Hannan did not receive a selection.
Bryan Walters can be reached at 740-446-2342, ext. 2101.
2017 WVSWA Class A softball teams
FIRST TEAM
Pitchers: Marissa Garlitz, Wheeling Central, Jr. (captain); Katie Gasvoda, Madonna, Jr.; Abbey Ammons, Clay-Battelle, Jr.; Kora Younts, Richwood, Sr.
Infielders: Hannah Rose, Wahama, Fr.; Courtney Dotson, Williamstown, Sr.; Bethany Smith, Moorefield, Sr.; Skyler Mace, Ravenswood, Jr.; Taylor Dickerson, Midland Trail, Jr.
Outfielders: Kaitlyn Ferns, Wheeling Central, So.; Sophia Recrosio, Madonna, So.; Madison West, Tyler Consolidated, Sr.
Catchers: Skylar Bogan, Wirt County, Jr.; Bayli Manns, Ravenswood, Sr.
Utility: Vanessa Templeton, Tyler Consolidated, Sr.; Autumn Thompson, Sherman, Fr.; Caitlyn Kassay, Clay-Battelle, So.; Rebekah Markwood, Moorefield, So.
SECOND TEAM
Pitchers: Ashley Fridley, Fayetteville, Jr.; Nellie King, Williamstown, Sr.; Ashley Tharp, Magnolia, So.; Riley Bennington, Wheeling Central, Jr.
Infielders: Katlyn Jenkins, Sherman, So.; Brooke Persinger, Buffalo, Jr.; Whittney Justice, Summers County, Sr.; Courtney Swenskie, South Harrison, Sr.; Carrie Taylor, Fayetteville, Jr.
Outfielders: Claudia Cubides, Ravenswood, Sr.; Brooklyn Hinzman, Doddridge County, So.; Tiffani Cline, Summers County, Jr.
Catchers: Maddy VanMatre, Wahama, So.; Ashley Mordan, Notre Dame, Sr.
Utility: Kira Riffle, Notre Dame, So. (captain); Emma Baker, Moorefield, So.; Maddie Menendez, Bishop Donahue, So.; Jessi Lockart, Wirt County, Sr.
SPECIAL HONORABLE MENTION
Hannah Mozingo, Wheeling Central; Kylie Martin, Tyler Consolidated; Aubrey Neff, Paden City; Katlynn Rasnake, Buffalo; Lindsey Russell, Buffalo; Sydney Seagraves, Sherman; Kendall Bowen, Ravenswood; Bayley Wellings, Gilmer County; Kayla Randolph, Wirt County; Hannah Loy, Paden City; Brittney Justice, Summers County; Makenna Nickell, Midland Trail; Katie Mullins, Richwood; Sydney Lipscomb, South Harrison; Paige Metzgar, St. Joseph.
HONORABLE MENTION
Karli Sutton, Madonna; Emilee Ondrik, Wheeling Central; Maria Murphy, Wheeling Central; Courtney Walker, Cameron; Breanna Pekula, Cameron; Maddie Adkins, Bishop Donahue; Josie Bonar, Bishop Donahue; Madison DeVaughn, Tyler Consolidated; Hannah Loy, Paden City; Jenna Ferrebee, Paden City; Kendra Pilant, Magnolia; Paige Brill, Magnolia; Maggie Bird, Buffalo; Olivia Corbett, Charleston Catholic; Kelly Kreitzer, Charleston Catholic; Jordan Fox, St. Marys; Haley Wanstreet, Gilmer County; Kylie Martin, Tyler Consolidated; Aubrey Neff, Paden City; Cassidy Roles, Fayetteville; Faith Norris, Fayetteville; Destiny Ball, Montcalm; Molly Wheeler, South Harrison; Katie Devericks, South Harrison; Emma McKeen, Notre Dame; Avery Karne, St. Joseph.
