Baldree voted MVP, Petit Newcomer of Year on 4A All-IEL softball team

SANDPOINT — Senior Bri Baldree set a slew of Sandpoint team records, excelling both in the circle and at the plate, earning MVP honors as seven Bulldogs were honored on the 4A Inland Empire League softball team, as voted on recently by the league’s coaches.

Baldree broke her team record of .538 by hitting a scalding hot .575, also breaking the team record with 40 runs in just 24 games. She also led the team in doubles and triples, drove in 23 runs and only struck out three times in 24 games.

As a pitcher, she held teams to a .257 average, striking out 126 in 89 innings, while going 5-8 (5-2 in league) with a 5.61 ERA. Head coach Elizabeth Hawkins-Williams raved about her two-way standout, who has helped rebuild the program in four years.

“Bri hits like no other high school player I have seen. Her dominance in the batter’s box has placed her in the top echelon of softball players that have ever played at Sandpoint,” said Hawkins-Williams. “The foundations that she helped create will continue to sustain the program and keep us competitive every year. It was an honor and privilege to be her coach and watch her compete at such a high level every season.”

Junior first baseman Natalie Petit earned Newcomer of the Year after hitting .314, with two home runs and 17 RBIs, while also leading the team in walks. She transferred from Priest River, and adjusted to the 4A level.

“The fact that she made the all-league team this season is a testament to her character as a person and drive as an athlete. She worked so hard for this,” said Hawkins-Williams. “She put in time and tears during the season fighting for playing time in the field and in the batter’s box. She was clutch during the end of league play and during the post season for the team this year.”

Senior Audrey Mattila was another two-way player with immense value to the team, hitting .346 with 15 RBIs in the 12 league contests, while also going 3-3 with a 5.59 ERA and 23 strikeouts. She also had the highest fielding percentage on the team in centerfield.

“Audrey was one of the most improved players in our program this year. Her offensive improvement was like an explosion this season,” described Hawkins-Williams. “She also improved tremendously as a pitcher and was undefeated in league play. She had the best command of the zone of all of our pitchers and could hit her spots consistently. She was a team leader on defense and only committed one fielding error all season.”

Sophomore outfielder Brooklen Steiger came on strong late in the season, particularly in league play, where she hit at a .393 clip. She also hit a home run, and had a .514 on base percentage in league play.

“She was another player that stepped up big for her team toward the end of league play and in the post season. When you have a young player earn all-league honors, you know they have a very bright future with the program,” said Hawkins-Williams. “She will play a huge role for the program over the next two seasons, and I am very excited to see where her softball career goes. She is coachable, puts in extra effort, works hard, has a great attitude, and loves the game.”

Junior third baseman Tanis Davis had a breakout season, hitting .438 with an SHS record 30 RBIs, breaking Logan Free’s record of 27 from 2002. Her two homers tied for most on the team, and her defense at third saved a lot of runs.

“Tanis is one of the hardest working players I have. She puts her head down and just grinds, which is a great personality trait to have when you are playing in the hot corner,” lauded Hawkins-Williams. “She made diving stops, caught line drives, fielded balls on the bounce, and fielded bunts with grit and determination. She also was outstanding as a relief pitcher for us again this year. She will be a leader for the program next season.”

Junior shortstop Brianna Barlow hit a robust .438 from the leadoff spot, breaking her own team record with 33 singles while also leading the team with nine steals.

“She has been our starting shortstop and leadoff batter since she was a freshman and has set the standard for those spots in our program. She has been a player I could consistently rely on in pressure situations to come through with a big play or clutch at bat,” praised Hawkins-Williams. “She can step up to any level of ball she is facing and be successful and enjoys challenges. Those characteristics have made her an exciting player for me to coach.”

As to the Coach of the Year honors, Hawkins-Williams said it was all about the players.

“They had to work very hard to be successful in our league and go on to the state tournament. It takes the efforts of many to bring success to a program, and I am very fortunate to have the support of my coaching staff, the school administration, volunteers, the player’s parents, fans of the program, and my family,” she said. “Without all of their help, support and encouragement, I would not be able to give these amazing student-athletes the time and dedication they deserve as their coach.”

4A IEL SOFTBALL TEAM

Most Valuable Player — Bri Baldree, sr., Sandpoint

Newcomer of the Year — Natalie Petit, jr., Sandpoint

Coach of the Year — Elizabeth Hawkins-Williams, Sandpoint

Pitchers — Audrey Mattila, sr., Sandpoint, Taylor Woolley, jr., Lakeland. Outfielders — Mia O’Hara, jr., Lakeland, Brooklen Steiger, so., Sandpoint, Allison Russum, fr., Lakeland. Infielders — Tanis Davis, jr., Sandpoint, Brianna Barlow, sr., Sandpoint, Riley Rivera, sr., Lakeland, Sydnee Verlin, fr., Moscow. Catcher — Abbey Leon, sr., Lakeland. DH/Utility — Blayne Waters, sr., Moscow.