The Lowcountry hasn’t always been considered one of the stronger parts of the Palmetto State for softball talent, but that might be changing thanks to the star-studded lineup that makes up the second annual All-Lowco Softball Team.
Led by Class 3A state champion Battery Creek, this year’s collection of area standouts features six All-State honorees. And with four sophomores, four freshmen, and two eighth-graders among the 20 players honored, it looks like future All-Lowco Softball Teams will be just as talent-rich.
COACH OF THE YEAR
Chris Carr, Battery Creek
In his second and final season at Battery Creek, Carr led the Dolphins to the Class 3A state championship. Looking to build off a trip to the Lower State championship game in his first season, Carr challenged the Dolphins with a brutal early-season schedule and had them battle-tested for the playoffs. Battery Creek won its last 11 games, including an 8-0 mark in the postseason.
PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Alexis Ortiz, Battery Creek
Like her coach, Ortiz is a repeat winner of this award. The Coker College signee was a force in the pitcher’s circle and at the plate, as she went 16-7 with a 1.05 ERA and hit .353 with 10 homers and 23 RBIs. Ortiz’s immense value was on display in the state championship clincher, tossing a one-hitter and hitting a home run in a 2-1 win over Union County.
ALL-LOWCO FIRST TEAM
C: Lillian Bearden, Sr., BHS
Class 4A All-State pick hit .420 with three doubles, two homers, and 27 RBIs
INF: Kylee Gleason, Jr., MRHS
Gamecocks commit hit .683 with two homers, three triples and 36 stolen bases to earn All-State honors
INF: Emily Crosby, Sr., BCHS
Spartanburg Methodist signee batted .500 with eight homers and 36 RBIs en route to All-State selection
INF: Ivy Bryan, Sr., THA
Rebels’ shortstop batted .632 with eight homers and 32 RBIs and played solid defense
INF: Reagan Marchant, Fr., HHIHS
All-State pick led Seahawks with .582 batting average, six homers, 30 RBIs, and 18 steals
OF: McKenzie Young, Sr., BCHS
USC Aiken signee hit .477 with 14 homers and 25 steals while rotating between outfield and catcher
OF: Madison Sanchez, Soph., BHS
Batted .420 with 10 doubles, three homers and 18 RBIs
OF: Giovana Rodriguez, Soph., MRHS
Hit .414 with two homers and seven doubles and went 7-1 in the circle
UTL: Essence Champion, Sr., BHS
Versatile player led area with 10 homers, batting .441 with nine doubles and 31 RBIs
P: Alexis Ortiz, Sr., BCHS
Racked up 234 strikeouts and only 24 walks in 153.1 innings
HONORABLE MENTION
Isabel Cannon, Fr., LCA
Journeigh Doray, Jr., BCHS
Danielle Dudley, Sr., THA
Abigail Hayes, Fr., THA
Kelsey Hill, Sr., BCHS
Jayla Quick, Soph., BLHS
Parker Ray, 8th, BLHS
Cassandra Ruhl, Soph., HHIHS
Katie Ryan, 8th, BLHS
Gabby Ximenez, Fr., MRHS
Above: Player of the Year, Alexis Ortiz
