By Jennifer Eisenbart
Sports editor
For the Union Grove Union High School softball team, there’s nothing like having an ace in the hole.
A pitching ace, that is.
Any time Alice Fitzpatrick took the mound for the Broncos over the past four years, it became clear her team would have a shot at a victory. Most of the times, Fitzpatrick obliged – especially in 2011, when the junior had a .92 earned-run average and was unhittable in the WIAA Division 2 state champions, which UG won.
As a senior, Fitzpatrick decided to take a chance, turning down a full scholarship offer to be a preferred walk-on at Michigan – a top-25 program in softball and widely considered one of the top academic schools in the country.
Also as a senior, Fitzpatrick led her team with 16 wins on the mound and a .57 ERA. The only reason the Broncos didn’t get a chance to defend their WIAA Division 2 title was they got bumped up to Division 1 – and lost to Westosha Central in the WIAA Division 1 sectional final.
Fitzpatrick’s consistently stellar play – which included a .486 batting average and a .553 on-base percentage – earned her 2012 All-Area Player of the Year honors.
How outstanding was Fitzpatrick this season? In spite of missing two games after being beaned in the head in a win over Waterford, the senior still finished with 29 RBI, 24 runs scored, 10 doubles, two triples and three home runs.
Fitzpatrick’s high school coach, Ryan Boylen, is out of words to describe his super senior.
“What can you say about Alice that doesn’t sound repetitive or obvious?” Boylen mused. “Alice is the total package. She has power, speed, athleticism, work ethic, intelligence. Alice has worked her tail off to get to where she is, and she is reaping the fruits of her labor.
And there’s likely still more ahead.
“The scary part is that, though Alice had a great year and a great career, there is even greater potential out there for her.
Capsules on the other All-Area selections:
Pitchers (2)
Fitzpatrick and Bekah Shellberg, Catholic Central: While Fitzpatrick was powering Union Grove, Shellberg was doing the same for the Lady Toppers.
Shellberg was 18-6 on the mound for Catholic Central, with a 1.32 ERA and 175 strikeouts. She also batted .366 with 31 runs scored, 19 RBI and two doubles, four triples and three home runs.
“Bekah has been the heart of our team for three years as our starting pitcher,” said CCHS coach Bill Greskiw.
Catchers (2)
Alecia Faber, Union Grove: Faber hit .391 for the Broncos this year, but also played catcher for Fitzpatrick, earning Boylen’s praise.
“Alecia is a player with endless potential,” Boylen said. “Alecia has a cannon for an arm that people just don’t run on and the ball explodes off her bat.”
Casandra Suhling, Catholic Central: Suhling’s strength as a catcher was known coming into the season, but she also stepped up and batted .378 with a .460 on-base percentage, with 13 of her 28 hits for extra bases.
“I look to my catchers to run the team on the field and Casandra really did that this year,” Greskiw said.
Infield (4)
Allie Hocking, Catholic Central: Aside from .346 batting average, Hocking was a huge steady presence for CCHS at third base for the third straight year.
“She’s a rock solid defensive player with a rocket arm,” Greskiw said.
Amber Johnson, Union Grove: While Johnson was a solid bat for the Broncos, hitting .390 with a .466 on-base percentage, she also helped anchor the Broncos’ defense.
“Tenacious player with tremendous raw power,” said Boylen. “Amber is just a great all-around player that will be missed greatly.”
Cassidy Kortendick, Union Grove: Just a freshman, Kortendick tied with Fitzpatrick for the team batting lead (.486) and had 18 RBI and 21 runs scored.
“Unbelievable year for a freshman,” said Boylen. “Cassidy is blessed with tremendous raw power, but her best quality is her softball IQ.”
Emily DeCheck, Union Grove: Just a sophomore, DeCheck stepped into the UG lineup this year and hit .413 and was solid in the infield.
“She has an uncanny ability to put ball on bat,” Boylen said. “She has the potential to be a phenomenal ball player.”
Outfield (3)
Alyssa Helwig, Waterford: Helwig did just about everything for the Wolverines this year, batting .457 in the leadoff position with a .494 on-base percentage. She scored 28 runs and had 18 RBI – not to mention five home runs.
“One of the most versatile kids we have,” Blair said. “Actually, one of the most versatile kids in the conference.”
Annie McClelland, Union Grove: Boylen tabbed McClelland a “bulldog” because of her ability to fight. She hit .437, had 23 RBI, 24 runs scores and was 11-for-11 on stolen bases. She and Fitzpatrick were both first team All-State picks.
“Annie has always been asked to play out of position for us, which is a testament to her abilities, because she can do so many things well that she gives me flexibility as a coach to put the best team on the field.”
Abby Zortman, Waterford: Blair called Zortman “silent but deadly” and it’s not hard to see why, as she hit .446 with 25 hits, 17 RBI and 16 runs scored.
“Abby is a girl that works hard every day and is a great teammate to everyone,” Blair said.
Utility (2)
Kelly Strasser, Waterford: While Strasser played at first base and as a designated player for the Wolverines, she also turned into a hugely successful bat for her team. She hit .386 and had 19 RBI.
“(She) was a good addition to the lineup this year,” said Waterford coach Ellen Blair. “Kelly was a good addition to the middle of the lineup, has a lot of power behind her bat.”
Alicia Barbian, Waterford: Statistics and comments on Barbian were unavailable, but she was solid in the infield for the Wolverines, and was a Southern Lakes Conference honorable mention selection.
Honorable mention
Chirissa Zirbel, Catholic Central; Adrianna Burd, Burlington; Megan Jensen, Waterford; Steffi Rank, Waterford.
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