Young Bravettes already drawing notice

Seven Bravettes have been honored as members of the various all-star softball teams chosen by the South Iowa Cedar League coaches.

Of the seven, only one is a senior – so that should bode well for the Montezuma High School softball team in the coming seasons.

As it was, the Bravettes compiled a 10-12 record and improved throughout the season.

Golden Award
Leah Urfer, freshman pitcher

This honor goes to a player who was injured during the season, but one who the coaches feel was headed for honors had it not happened.

Urfer was the Bravettes’ starting pitcher for roughly the first third of the season, until an injury sidelined her the rest of the way.

Urfer put together a 2-2 record in 8 starts in the circle. She pitched 32.1 innings, giving up 40 hits and 24 runs, 15 of them earned. Her earned run average was 3.25 per seven innings.

Urfer walked just 7 batters, hit two and struck out 27.

Walk this way, girls! Coach Jeremy Van Zee and the Bravettes celebrate a win at Belle Plaine. (Crystal Ferry photo).

First team outfielder
Madison Van Zee, senior

Van Zee had 32 hits and a .421 batting average. Second on the team. She drove in 9 runs and scored 28, second on the team. She also had a 1-0 record in five pitching appearances. As the centerfielder, she was an experienced outfielder in the middle of the defense.

Second team infielder
Mya Smothers, freshman

Her 28 hits led to the team’s best batting average, .424. She had some power strokes, including 8 doubles and 3 triples and she led Montezuma with 23 runs batted in and a .636 slugging percentage.

Second team infielder
Chloe Snook, sophomore

She led the Bravettes in runs scored (31) and total hits (34). She drove in 14 runs, and her batting average of .395 was third on the team.

Snook also led Montezuma’s base stealers with 16 in 16 attempts.

Second team utility
Syd Burgess, freshman

Syd was the team’s first baseman and backup pitcher to start the season. She went to number one pitcher after Urfer’s injury. She improved steadily as she gained more confidence in herself and control of her pitches.

Burgess had a 7-10 record in 13 starts and 20 total pitching appearances. She threw 91.2 innings, allowed 107 hits and 112 runs, 66 o them earned. She walke 76, hit 4 and struck out 45. She had a .504 earned run average.

On offense, Syd hit .219, with 9 runs batted in.

Honorable mention
Kam Schmidt, freshman

Tne team’s hard-hitting third baseman had 23 hits and drove in 19 runs.

Honorable mention
Ellen Cook, junior catcher

Ellen had 22 hits, including 7 doubles, which was second on the team. She batted .282 and fielded .981.