Region 2 announces All-Region softball teams and awards

The softball coaches of Region 2 Class A(D1) recently met in Dublin to select the All-Region teams and player of the year awards. In all, six Lady Tigers were recognized for their accomplishments in region play.

Swainsboro shortstop Jocie Hendrix and Swainsboro center fielder Hannah Howard were both named First Team All-Region. Hendrix had a .441 batting average and Howard had a .432 batting average with 15 stolen bases in the 12 game region schedule. Lady Tigers selected to the All-Region Second Team were Aa’Caylah Murphy, Savannah Hooks, and Gracie Beneteau. Swainsboro pitcher Callie Powell was also named Honorable Mention by the region coaches.

The Region 2 softball coaches named Bleckley County pitcher Riley Haley as the Region 2 Player of the Year and East Laurens pitcher Madison Cheek as the Region 2 Pitcher of the Year. East Laurens catcher Madison Coleman was chosen as Region 2 Offensive Player of the Year and Swainsboro center fielder Hannah Howard was chosen as the Region 2 Defensive Player of the Year. Only statistics from region games were considered when selecting the All-Region teams and other post season region awards.

During her career at SHS, Howard has made a name for herself around the region for her outstanding defensive play in center field. This is her second consecutive Region 2 Defensive Player of the Year Award. In addition to her tremendous defense, she was also the lead-off hitter for the Lady Tigers. For the full season, she hit .388 with two home runs and had 23 RBI. She also led all Region 2 players with 46 runs scored and 24 stolen bases.

After starting at second base for the last three seasons, Hendrix made the move over to shortstop for her senior year. For the full season, she hit .384, scored 25 runs, and stole 10 bases. She also led all Region 2 batters with 28 RBI in the 29 game season.

Hooks played first base and also pitched for the Lady Tigers this year. She hit for a .301 batting average with 16 RBI for the full season. Murphy played flawless defense in left field and hit for a .329 batting average with 13 stolen bases while Beneteau was a steady presence at the top of the order for the Lady Tigers this year and hit .333 with 25 runs scored and 26 RBI.

Powell started a total of 24 games in the circle for the Lady Tigers this season. She was especially tough on her region foes as she compiled a 6-5 record with a 3.89 ERA in 11 region games. In 59 innings pitched in region play, Powell recorded 32 strikeouts and issued just 11 walks.

REGION 2 DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR HANNAH HOWARD