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.

<strong>COACH OF THE YEAR</strong>

<strong>Chris Carr, Battery Creek</strong>

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.

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PLAYER OF THE YEAR</strong>

<strong>Alexis Ortiz, Battery Creek</strong>

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.

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<strong>ALL-LOWCO FIRST TEAM</strong>

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C: Lillian Bearden, Sr., BHS</strong>

Class 4A All-State pick hit .420 with three doubles, two homers, and 27 RBIs

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<strong>INF: Kylee Gleason, Jr., MRHS</strong>

Gamecocks commit hit .683 with two homers, three triples and 36 stolen bases to earn All-State honors

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<strong>INF: Emily Crosby, Sr., BCHS</strong>

Spartanburg Methodist signee batted .500 with eight homers and 36 RBIs en route to All-State selection

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<strong>INF: Ivy Bryan, Sr., THA</strong>

Rebels’ shortstop batted .632 with eight homers and 32 RBIs and played solid defense

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<strong>INF: Reagan Marchant, Fr., HHIHS</strong>

All-State pick led Seahawks with .582 batting average, six homers, 30 RBIs, and 18 steals

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<strong>OF: McKenzie Young, Sr., BCHS</strong>

USC Aiken signee hit .477 with 14 homers and 25 steals while rotating between outfield and catcher

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<strong>OF: Madison Sanchez, Soph., BHS</strong>

Batted .420 with 10 doubles, three homers and 18 RBIs

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<strong>OF: Giovana Rodriguez, Soph., MRHS</strong>

Hit .414 with two homers and seven doubles and went 7-1 in the circle

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<strong>UTL: Essence Champion, Sr., BHS</strong>

Versatile player led area with 10 homers, batting .441 with nine doubles and 31 RBIs

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<strong>P: Alexis Ortiz, Sr., BCHS</strong>

Racked up 234 strikeouts and only 24 walks in 153.1 innings

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<strong>HONORABLE MENTION</strong>

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

<em>Above: Player of the Year, Alexis Ortiz</em>