Dixie Belles present awards to close out regular season

By Staff
Clif Knight, Hartselle Enquirer
The Belles division (13-to-15-year-olds) of Hartselle's Dixie Girls Softball League closed out its regular season June 4 by conducting an awards ceremony to recognize some 44 players and their coaches.
Based on won-lost standings, Smash was recognized as the division's top team. The Titans finished second, Havoc third and Kraze fourth. Each player received a medal.
Eleven players were singled out as the division's "Top Ten Hitters." Meaghan Gray topped the list with a .636 batting average. Following her in order were Leah Robinson (.529), Olivia Golden (.500), Laken Hamilton (.485), Whitney Byford (.452), Savannah Huey (.419), Katie Gentle (.382), Breanna Riley (.367), Ashley Bonner (.367), Joy Harris (.361) and Abby McHugh (.355). Each received a commemorative medallion.
Leah Robinson of Kraze received the Casey Long Sportsmanship Award. It is given annually to the player who is chosen by the vote of all players as having demonstrated the best sportsmanship throughout the season.
Six players received the "Most Spirit Award" based on a vote of their teammates. They were Callie Shedd, Smash; Allie Hill and Whitney Samuel, Titans; Chelsea McCurdy, Havoc; and Chelsea Bennich and Leah Robinson, Kraze.
Four players were voted by their coaches as "Most Hustle Award" recipients. They were Kelly Swiatkowski, Smash; Elizabeth Russell, Kraze; Elizabeth Pheny, Havoc and Joy Harris, Titans.
Eight last-year Belles players received a pink rose to commemorate their support and participation in Dixie Softball. They were Katie Salverson, Whitney Samuel, Katie Alexander, Kelly Swiatkowski, Brittney Reeves, Savannah Huey, Raeshuan Jones and Hannah South.
The Belles all-stars will compete for the District Dixie Belles Tournament championship in Greenhill near Florence beginning June 26. Kenneth Romager will serve as head coach and Mike Gentle and Cary Hill will assist him.
Belles all-stars selected
Dixie Belles softball coaches selected a 12-member all-star team June 6 to represent Hartselle in post season tournament competition.
Members of the team are Chelsea Bennich, Ashley Bonner, Katie Gentle, Olivia Golden. Meaghan Gray, Laken Hamilton, Allie Hill, Katelyn Hill, Abby McHugh, Breanna Riley, Leah Robinson and Lindsey Romager.
Gray and Riley, both pitchers, are returning members of a Belles all-star team that won district and state championships and finished fifth in the Dixie World Series in 2006.
The team will be coached by Kenneth Romager, head, and Mike Gentle and Cary Hill, assistants.
The district tournament will be held at Greenhill in Lauderdale County beginning June 26.