County's best on the softball diamond

Infielders

Emma Christensen, sophomore, Lecanto

Angelina Forget, junior, Crystal River

Baylie Inwood-Goodwin, freshman, Citrus

Makayla Smith, senior, Seven Rivers Christian

Riley Tirrell, sophomore, Citrus

Outfielders

Molly Bender, senior, Citrus

Melody Byers, senior, Seven Rivers Christian

Paisley Williamson, freshman, Citrus

Pitchers

Kaylin Smith, freshman, Citrus

Katelyn Tillis, senior, Crystal River

Catchers

Jennah Kay Phillips, senior, Seven Rivers Christian

Kelsey Thomas, senior, Crystal River

Utility

Kayla Bilbey, junior, Lecanto

Joy Sullivan, freshman, Seven Rivers Christian

Finalists for Softball Player of the Year Molly Bender, Sr., Citrus

The Hurricane senior batted .538 during the regular season with five doubles, a triple, three home runs and 16 RBIs. She also had a team-high 19 stolen bases and played great defense at both shortstop and centerfield.

Emma Christensen, So., Lecanto

The Panther sophomore batted a clean .400 during the regular season with four doubles, two triples and a pair of home runs. She had a team-high 17 RBIs and 13 runs scored. Had a very good .916 fielding percentage at the shortstop position.

Katelyn Tillis, Sr., Crystal River

Outstanding in the circle and at the plate, Tillis batted .345 during the regular season with seven doubles, a triple and 10 RBIs. In the pitching circle, she went 7-8 with a sparkling 2.07 ERA and struck out 137 opponents in just 84 2/3 innings pitched.

Note: The athlete of the year finalists and winners in each sport will be honored May 17 at the annual Student Athletic Recognitions banquet beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the College of Central Florida, Lecanto Campus.