Maroons' diamond success continues with conference honors

By Mike Egenes, Dispatch/Argus staff sports writer

Having won the Western Big 6 baseball and softball crowns, the Moline Maroons matched that with their first-team all-conference selections.

For the second straight season, both the baseball and softball teams had the more representatives than the other five members of the conference, including four baseball players and three softball players who were first-teamers a second time.

Baseball

Despite missing two of 10 Big 6 games, senior shortstop Jay Molina still led the conference with 15 RBIs and was second on his team with a .571 batting average. Also, the University of Notre Dame-bound star had a 2.49 ERA in 19 2/3 innings and posted a 3-0 record with a save.

He was joined by fellow repeat picks Eric Boster and Matt Jasper. Boster, who will play next year at Augustana, had a .314 average with nine RBIs and a team-high seven stolen bases. As a pitcher, he had three saves. Jasper hit .379 in eight games.

Other Maroons named for the first time were senior David Smith, who led the conference with a .615 average; pitcher Wayne DeSmet, who went 4-0 with 27 strikeouts and just five walks in just 22 1/3 innings; and designated hitter Zack Esterdahl, who hit .364.

Alleman's Jake Hurry, who is headed to Coastal Carolina, was the only Pioneer named. He hit .433 and drove in a team-high six runs.

United Township was shutout from the first team, including Bradley-bound senior Brian LaJeone, who was a first-teamer last season as a junior.

Galesburg's Ryan Kohl was named for a second straight season. He was joined by teammate Chad Goad. Quincy outfielder Patrick Anders was the only Blue Devil named.

Honorable mention picks included United Township's John Shappard, Scott Durbin and LaJeone; Alleman's Jimmy Conroy; Moline's Scott Malcolm; Quincy's Ryan Thoele and Shawn Altgilbers; and Galesburg's Scott Lyons.

Softball

Moline seniors Amber Berthoud and Heidi Hallstrom capped fine prep careers by being named to the all-conference first team for a second time.

Berthoud hit .393 and was one hit short of matching Hallstrom for the team lead of 12 hits. Hallstrom also led the Maroons with six RBIs.

Senior Alexis Johnson was a shoo-in at pitcher where she went 5-0 and allowed just 13 hits in 30 1/3 innings. She also collected two saves. Outfielder Jamie Woodin was also a first-teamer, tying for the team lead with three stolen bases and was second with five RBIs. Senior Stephanie Hansen caps a three-member all-Big 6 infield. She hit .375, stole three bases and matched Hallstrom with 12 hits. Leann Barber was the first-team catcher.

United Township also had three tabbed, led by junior outfielder Sara Blair, who topped the Panthers with a .400 average. She is flanked by DH Stacy Willet (.357 average; 2.22 ERA in 34 2/3 innings) and utility player Brandi Ramos (.263 average).

Alleman's Rose Ombrello was the only Pioneer. The second outfielder led the Big 6 with .417 average, 15 hits and 11 stolen bases.

Galesburg's Ruby Brinegar and Rachel Bicego, both seniors, were on the first team. Quincy was shutout from the voting.