By Jared Tobaison
GRCC softball had a dominant season, finishing 39-6. The Raiders won the MCCAA Northern Conference Championship and finished as runner ups in regionals for the second time in three years. Led by their coaching staff and an extremely talented freshman class, the Raiders led the entire MCCAA in nearly every major statistical category and brought home the top honors in both individual and team levels.
The Raiders led the MCCAA in batting average (.383), runs scored (413), RBIs (351), walks (177), stolen bases (164), on-base percentage (.466), shutouts (15), batting average against (.207).
Freshman Kalani Stowe had one of the most impressive seasons in GRCC history. As a pitcher/outfielder, Stowe earned All-Region, All-MCCAA, First team all-conference, Conference player of the year, Conference freshman of the year, and All-freshman team honors. From the circle, Stowe was almost unbeatable from the circle. Stowe ended the season with an 18-1 record, 1.02 ERA which was third in the nation, seven shutouts, 10.84 SOs per game which is top 10 nationally, 159 strikeouts, and forced a .142 batting average against. From the plate, Stowe ended the season with a .441 batting average with 12 doubles, four triples, two home runs and 51 stolen bases, and scoring 58 runs.
Freshman Natalee Beck finished the year with a .496 batting average and led the Raiders with 54 RBIs. Beck earned All-Region, All-MCCAA, First Team All-Conference, All-Freshman Team, and District B All-Tournament Team honors.
Many other Raiders have earned awards at the end of the season, freshman shortstop Grace Chisek won All-Region, All-MCCAA, First Team All-Conference, All-Freshman Team, and District B All-Tournament Team. Sophomore catcher Madison Miller was named All-MCCAA and First Team All-Conference. Freshman Grace Salley earned All-MCCAA, First Team All-Conference, and All-Freshman Team honors. Freshman Violet McWhinnie, and Lilian Klop earned second team all-conference, and freshman Evelyn McEachen and Libby VanFleet both earned Honorable mention all-conference. Finally, Head Coach Chuck White won Coach of the year after developing one of the most balanced and deepest teams in the state.
Even though the Raiders had a tremendous season, they look to improve for next season in hopes of winning regionals.
