Six Cardinals Selected to WCAC, VISAA teams in Softball

Junior Micki Crouch was Ireton's lone first team, all state and all WCAC selectee, though the Cardinals had 5 others recognized by the organizations.

Senior Co-Captains Caroline Boddie and Meghan Pearson, juniors Micki Crouch and Debbie Ward along with freshmen Heather Pearson and Susie Rhodes were selected by the WCAC softball coaches for post season accolades. Micki Crouch was also named first team All State by the Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association’s softball executive board.

Named to the WCAC first team was lead off batter and starting pitcher Micki Crouch who during the regular season amassed 157 strikeouts, averaging 1.3 strikeouts per inning pitched and an earned run average of 3.0. She was ranked 3^rd in number of strikeouts in the Washington Post rankings and pitched a no hitter against St Johns. Offensively, Micki boasted a .419 batting average and led the team in doubles and triples while striking out only once the whole season.

Debbie Ward and Heather Pearson were named to the All-WCAC second team. While playing a steady center field, Ward hit for both average and power, boasting a .452 batting average, a .500 on base percentage and an .822 slugging percentage while leading the team in home runs. Freshmen short stop Heather Pearson led the team in batting average at .456, total number of hits and runs scored while posting a .91 fielding percentage.

Seniors Caroline Boddie and Meghan Pearson along with Freshman Susie Rhodes received honorable mention honors from the coaches. The seniors sustained contribution to the program and leadership was acknowledged to be a significant factors to the team’s success this season. Susie Rhodes’ sensational freshman season featured a .443 batting average, 8 doubles and 23 RBI’s and earned the well deserved recognition of the WCAC coaches.

In praising the award winners, first year head coach Terri Pearson added, “Softball will always be a team sport and we all recognize that no individual can enjoy success without the backing of her teammates. Getting 6 players recognized is a win for the whole program. From the JV squad through the varsity, from the coaching staff to the administration, we all share in the success of these student athletes.”