The 2022 softball season was another banner year for area teams. Cedar Bluff, Spring Garden and Piedmont each made the state tournament in their respective classes.
All three schools, along with East Central Regional participant Sand Rock, were rewarded for their success by the Alabama Sports Writers Association on the annual all-state softball teams. The teams were announced on Sunday morning.
In all, 11 area softball players earned all-state recognition. Class 1A Cedar Bluff (28-13-2), which reached the state tournament for the second straight season and won its first ever game at state this year, led the way with four selections and an honorable mention.
Senior pitcher/infielder Jordyn Walker claimed a first-team spot at utility. Juniors Mattie Payne, Natalie Baty and Reece Patterson were selected to the second team at infield, utility and designated hitter respectively. Sophomore Haley Allen earned an honorable mention in the outfield.
Walker batted .504 with 14 doubles, seven triples, two home runs, 12 walks, 53 runs and 43 RBIs. She was also 9-4 in the circle in 96 innings with 112 strikeouts and a 2.55 ERA.
Payne posted a .504 batting average with 11 doubles, five home runs, three triples, 15 walks, 51 runs and 39 RBIs. Baty batted .457 with 15 doubles, four home runs, 14 walks, 36 runs and 39 RBIs. She was also 7-3 in the circle in 62 1/3 innings with 46 strikeouts and a 3.48 ERA. Patterson posted a .500 batting average with 13 doubles, three triples, a home run, 17 walks, 33 runs and 48 RBIs.
Allen batted .421 with 14 doubles, three triples, a home run, four walks, 29 runs and 36 RBIs.
In Class 2A, Spring Garden (25-13-1) had a first-team selection infielder in senior shortstop Neely Welsh. Senior Abbey Steward was one of four second-team pitchers. Freshman leadoff batter Avery Steward earned an honorable mention in the outfield.
Welsh batted .400 with 12 doubles, 10 home runs, five triples, 12 walks, 38 runs and 43 RBIs. Abbey Steward compiled a 14-4 record in 130 1/3 innings with 145 strikeouts and a 2.20 ERA. Avery Steward batted .401 with five doubles, 18 walks, 34 runs and 16 RBIs.
Staying in Class 2A, Sand Rock (26-25) had a pair of all-state selections in junior pitcher/third baseman Jadyn Foster (first team designated hitter) and junior pitcher/third baseman EllaGrace Hood (second team pitcher).
Foster batted .481 with 22 doubles, 15 home runs, four triples, 11 walks, 66 runs and 63 RBIs. She was also 9-for-9 in stolen base attempts. Hood had an 11-9 record with a 3.09 ERA in 129 innings pitched with 165 strikeouts.
Class 3A Piedmont (30-20) had a second-team infielder in sophomore shortstop Savannah Smith. Smith batted .357 with 15 doubles, three triples, two home runs, 18 walks, 38 runs and 31 RBIs.
You can see the entire ASWA softball selections on weisradio.com. The ASWA All-State Baseball Teams will be announced next Sunday.