SOFTBALL - Spielman named top player in district

James Wood senior pitcher Lani Spielman was named Player of the Year and Todd Baker was named Coach of the Year as the Class 4 Northwestern District softball teams were announced Tuesday.

Spielman, also a powerful hitter, helped the Colonels win the district tournament and advance to the Region 4C semifinals. Spielman, one of four unanimous selections, was joined on the first team by three teammates — senior catcher Lindsey Anderson, freshman second baseman Olivia Miller and sophomore outfielder Ivy Rosenberry.

Sherando placed five on the first team — senior first baseman Korenn Paige, sophomore shortstop Sierra Strosnider, sophomore outfielder Blake Conner (a unanimous pick), junior outfielder Brooke Moses, and senior designated player Tori Seymour.

Millbrook sophomore Sophia Pell was named to a utility spot.

James Wood also had four second team picks — junior first baseman Rebecca Boone, junior shortstop Haley Kaiser, outfielder Spielman and pitcher Rosenberry.

Millbrook placed two on the second team — senior second baseman Eliza Grigsby and senior third baseman Katie Tirona. Sherando sophomore pitcher Lauren Smith and Handley junior utility Meghan Stokes also made the squad.