STANDOUT SOFTBALL PLAYERS PULL IN ALL-STATE HONORS

Five area softball players were recently named to the Missouri All-State first teams at the 1A-2A, 3A and 4A levels, while two others were named to the second team. High school coaches, polled throughout the state, made the selections.

First-team honorees were Amanda Bollinger and Lindsey Meyr of Jackson, Jessica McDonald of Cape Central, Stacy Baer of Perryville and Jean Brown of St. Vincent of Perryville. Named second team were Notre Dame's Mika Williamson and Kelly's Bridgett Riley.

First team

Bollinger, a senior, was named to the 4A first team for the third time. Proving her versatility, Bollinger was chosen as a shortstop on the 2000 team after two previous selections as a catcher. Switching to shortstop a few games into the season, she had an outstanding .985 fielding percentage with only two errors.

Bollinger led the Lady Indians in hitting with a hefty .447 average, slightly above her career average of .427, and was also the team leader in RBIs with 21. She holds seven single season and 11 career records at Jackson High School.

Meyr, a four-year varsity letter winner for Jackson, earned first-team Class 4A all-state honors as an outfielder.

As the Lady Indian leadoff hitter, the speedy Meyr batted .337 and stole 35 bases, a single-season school record. Her career totals include a .303 batting average and a record 78 stolen bases.

McDonald, a senior catcher, closed out her Cape Central career with a first-team Class 4A all-state selection.

McDonald led Cape Central with a .408 batting average and a .506 slugging percentage. She had 21 RBIs and scored 21 runs. McDonald also excelled on the defensive side, throwing out 15 potential base stealers and picking off four.

Baer, a three-time first-team Class 3A all-state outfielder for Perryville High School, batted .416 average with a school record 42 hits during the 2000 season. She also led the Lady Pirates in runs scored (33) and RBIs (25).

Baer was voted the Jefferson County Conference Player of the Year. During Baer's career, the Lady Pirates won three district championships, one conference crown and one sectional title.

Her career statistics include a .406 batting average and records for most doubles (15), home runs (13), RBIs (79) and stolen bases (52).

The total package, Lady Pirates coach Lynn O'Neal said Baer was also "a great team leader."

"The thing I will miss most about not having Stacy is her attitude to excel and the smile she had on her face every day at practice," said O'Neal.

Brown, a junior shortstop, led St. Vincent with a .446 batting average, seven home runs and 42 RBIs on her way to a spot on the Class 1A-2A first team.

At six-foot, 170 pounds, Brown has all the physical tools. She was successful on 10 of 11 steal attempts and possesses an exceptionally strong arm.

In addition to her accomplishments on the field, Brown excels in the classroom, as well, maintaining a 3.93 grade point average.

Second team

Williamson, a junior, was a key contributor on the mound and plate for Notre Dame in 1A-2A. She was chosen honored as a first baseman, playing just one season at the position since converting from the outfield. Williamson doubled as the Lady Bulldogs' top pitcher with a 10-5 record. She was one of the top hitters for Notre Dame with a .352 average and 22 RBIs.

Riley was honored as a first baseman for Kelly, which placed third in the Class 2A State Softball Championships. She also was a standout at pitcher with a 7-0 record.