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Is this the year of the catcher?
It certainly is shaping up that way for Monroe County Region softball teams.
Bedford’s Aubrey Hensley and Leila Daniels of Milan will be playing at the Division 1 level when they begin their college careers next year.
Both already are three-time All-Region players and each owns more than 100 career RBIs.
Hensley set a Region record with 23 home runs as a sophomore and smashed seven more last spring despite playing in only 15 games because of an injury.
The Toledo recruit heads into this season with 41 career round trippers.
More: Victoria Gray of Bedford leads All-Region Girls Basketball team
Who will be the Monroe County Region's best softball player in 2025?
Daniel has blasted 20 homers over the past two years including a school-record 14 last season. She has lined up a scholarship at Bradley.
The talent behind the plate runs far deeper than those two for Region squads.
Tori Busen of St. Mary Catholic Central and Kiernan Brown of Dundee also are back after earning spots on the All-Region team a year ago. Coaches of 11 of the 14 teams listed a catcher as one of their top players for 2025.
“It’s frightening,” Monroe coach Mickey Moody said of the catching talent.
A list of some of the softball players to watch this spring follows. They are listed in alphabetical order with comments from their coaches.
Brenna Baker, Airport, junior, ss: An outstanding defensive player who made the All-Region team last spring when she hit .319.
Ava Belair, Erie Mason, sophomore, c: Caught every game last year for the Eagles as freshman. “She is a student of the game and elevates our team's strategy and knowledge. She brings a strong bat to our line-up.”
Kiernan Brown, Dundee, senior, c-1b-3b: Earned honorable mention All-State recognition last season after hitting .495 with seven home runs, four triples and 56 RBIs. “Kiernan will take on a different role for us this year, behind the plate, and will most likely split time between there and a corner infield position.”
Tori Busen, SMCC, senior, c: Hit .457 with 21 RBIs and 35 runs last season. “Tori is a natural leader and is our field general behind the plate. She is our lead-off hitter who provides power and speed.”
Addison Butt, Gibraltar Carlson, senior, p-of: Batted .325 last season and struck out 84 batters in 69.2 innings in the circle. “In her fourth year as a varsity player at Carlson she will look to add to her impressive statistics before moving onto the college game”
Mackenzie Chrysler, Milan, junior, p-1b: Delivered many key hits for the Big Reds last season. She will share pitching duties with sophomore Kendyll Fell.
Addeson Cousino, Whiteford, junior, u: Will play all over the diamond. “Addeson played most of the season at second base last year, but may move around this year defensively.”
Leila Daniels, Milan, senior, c: An All-Region choice last season when she hit .511. Also a standout defensively. “Leila is a game-changer on both offense and defense.”
Lauren Doane, Dundee, senior, p-1b: Complied a 14-1 record last season with 81 strikeouts and a 2.48 ERA. “Lauren has a quiet approach to the game and leadership with a hidden fire that comes out in the circle. Our quiet storm.”
Lauren Dunwoody, Gibraltar Carlson, junior, c-of: Batted .421 last spring and was an RBI machine. “Lauren is a clutch hitter who always seems to find a way to drive in runs"
Lindsey Gennoe, Jefferson, senior, c: Led the Bears with a .488 batting average last season. “She has a strong bat and great speed. We look to her leadership in helping develop our young pitchers.”
Sarah Giroux, Flat Rock, sophomore, 3b: Led the team with a .471 average as a freshman. “We had been watching and hearing about her the last couple of years and her entrance into the varsity setting didn’t disappoint. We look for her to pick up where she left off.”
Rylie Greggo, New Boston Huron, senior, p: Struck out 113 and hit .348 last season despite dealing with an injury. “She is our work horse and is stronger than ever this season. Her maturity and leadership are at the best I have seen.”
Reese Hennessey, Ida, senior, c: “Defensively I would put Reese up against any catcher in the county.” Hit .300 with 16 stolen bases and 27 runs last season.
Aubrey Hensley, Bedford, senior, c: Hit .509 last season with five doubles, three triples, seven home runs and 13 stolen bases. “Aubrey is a one-of-a-kind athlete. She is dynamic on both sides of the ball and has the best field presence I've seen.”
Addie Homrich, Erie Mason, sophomore, p-ss: Led the team with 48 stolen bases last spring and hit .468. “Addie put in tremendous effort in the off-season. She is stronger, faster, and a threat offensively.”
Reese Knox, Milan, junior, ss: An All-Region player who helped Milan reach the state semifinals with a .425 average, 44 RBIs and 41 runs. “Great glove, strong arm and an explosive bat.”
Addi Kopp, Flat Rock, senior, ss: Hit .445 last year and plays solid defense. “We have referred to as steady Addi since she came into high school. She is a tough out and is just a special player to watch on both sides of the ball.”
Kaitlyn Kwiatkowski, Bedford, junior, of: A standout in centerfield and a terror on the bases who hit .435 with 34 stolen bases and 50 runs last spring. “Kaitlyn has insane speed and is a game changer on the bases. She played lock down defense for us this year.”
Avery Leach, Monroe, senior, 2b-3b: Played primarily second base last season, but will see time at third this year. “Avery has a really good eye for the ball. I am hoping to get 20 doubles and 25 stolen bases from her this year.”
Alivia LeBrun, Jefferson, junior, ss Shifting from second base to shortstop this spring. “She does an outstanding job in the field and we look forward to her improved hitting along with her speed and knowledge of the game.”
Aly Lewis, Monroe, junior c-ss: Stamped herself as a strong defensive catcher in her first two seasons. She also will play shortstop this year. She racked 11 doubles and 5 triples in 2024. “She’s a strong girl, lots of power. We’re expecting a lot of things from her.”
Madi McCain, Ida, senior, p-utility: A Siena Heights volleyball recruit who hit .292 with 14 RBIs last spring. “Madi missed almost half the season last year due to injury but put-up impressive numbers in her short time back with us.”
Brooklyn Mills, Whiteford, senior, 1b: Hit .354 as the cleanup hitter for the Bobcats last spring. She will move to lead-off this year. “She is one of the great leaders in this group.”
Mia Miller, Summerfield, senior, 3b: “She is someone who gets exceptional reads off the bat and covers a lot of ground not to mention being a fierce competitor with a dangerous bat.”
Nyah Mullins, Bedford, senior 3b: Will play next year at Walters State after batting .430 with 13 doubles, 8 home runs and 44 RBIs last season. “She is an RBI machine that plays the game with such passion. She's incredibly patient in the box and played outstanding defense for us.”
Emma Neace, Flat Rock, junior, p: Won seven games last season and struck out 79. “She has always had great stuff the biggest improvement she’s made is her consistency and her knowledge of the flow of the game.”
Savanna Novencido, Summerfield, freshman, in-c: “I’m excited to see her shine in her freshman year. Her work ethic and skill will make a big impact on this team.”
Brea Olmstead, Summerfield, junior, p-1b: “She is a great all-around player— a very smart ball player, with an explosive bat and a strong presence in the circle.”
Brooke Payment, Jefferson, senior, 3b: Healthy again after missing half of last season with an injury. “We look to her to have a breakout season with a strong bat.”
Olivia Piepsney, SMCC, sophomore, p: Threw the majority of the innings for the Kestrels as a freshman and hit .420 with 20 RBIs and 19 runs. “She is a great leader. Offensively she provides a lot of power to our lineup.”
Addison Ramsby, New Boston Huron, junior 2b: Shifting to second base this spring. “She has put a ton of work into her swing and it is really progressing into power and consistency. I think this is going to be her breakout year.”
Natalie Rath, Dundee, senior, ss-3b: Posted a .382 average with 38 stolen bases and 24 RBIs last spring. “She's the natural leader and positive voice of the team, with high expectations of herself and others.”
Maria Robbins, New Boston Huron, sophomore, ss: Made just 7 errors in 101 chances last spring and hit .320. “Maria came off one of the best defensive performances I have seen as a freshman, let alone one of the best shortstops in this Region. She is the heart and soul of our defense.”
Aryanna Sandusky, Gibraltar Carlson, senior, 3b-2b: Batted .443 in 2024 with only 4 strikeouts. She fielded at a .917 level while playing multiple positions. “She looks to deliver more of the same, high-level hitting and fielding”
Jessica Schrader, Ida, senior, ss: Carried a .418 average with 37 runs and 21 stolen bases in 2024 while playing great defense. “Jess is one of the truest shortstops I’ve ever coached. Always in position and makes great decisions.”
Zoie Stubleski, Erie Mason, sophomore, ss-p: Was the top hitter for the Eagles as a freshman with a .528 average and drove in 27 runs. “Zoie is a three-sport athlete and excels in everything she does. … She brings power to our line-up but is also one of the most consistent hitters I have ever coached.”
Olivia Tilley, Airport, junior, 2b: Creates havoc with her speed. Made the All-Region team last season when she batted .533 with 60 runs and 42 steals.
Hannah Williams, SMCC, sophomore, c-if: Drove in 34 runs as a freshman while hitting .409 and scoring 24 times. “She is a weapon for us on offense. She might be one of the hardest hitters I have coached.”
Maci Willey, Monroe, senior, cf: Was special mention All-Region last season primarily because of excellent defense. She also is a dangerous hitter. “Willey will be a really good lead-off hitter for us. She has good speed, power and can slap.”
Avy Wood, Whiteford, sophomore, cf: “Avy started nearly every game for us in centerfield last year and she will anchor our outfield.”
This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: Year of the catcher? Cast your vote for Region's top softball player
Continue reading...
It certainly is shaping up that way for Monroe County Region softball teams.
Bedford’s Aubrey Hensley and Leila Daniels of Milan will be playing at the Division 1 level when they begin their college careers next year.
Both already are three-time All-Region players and each owns more than 100 career RBIs.
Hensley set a Region record with 23 home runs as a sophomore and smashed seven more last spring despite playing in only 15 games because of an injury.
The Toledo recruit heads into this season with 41 career round trippers.
More: Victoria Gray of Bedford leads All-Region Girls Basketball team
Who will be the Monroe County Region's best softball player in 2025?
Daniel has blasted 20 homers over the past two years including a school-record 14 last season. She has lined up a scholarship at Bradley.
The talent behind the plate runs far deeper than those two for Region squads.
You must be registered for see images attach
Tori Busen of St. Mary Catholic Central and Kiernan Brown of Dundee also are back after earning spots on the All-Region team a year ago. Coaches of 11 of the 14 teams listed a catcher as one of their top players for 2025.
“It’s frightening,” Monroe coach Mickey Moody said of the catching talent.
A list of some of the softball players to watch this spring follows. They are listed in alphabetical order with comments from their coaches.
You must be registered for see images attach
Brenna Baker, Airport, junior, ss: An outstanding defensive player who made the All-Region team last spring when she hit .319.
Ava Belair, Erie Mason, sophomore, c: Caught every game last year for the Eagles as freshman. “She is a student of the game and elevates our team's strategy and knowledge. She brings a strong bat to our line-up.”
Kiernan Brown, Dundee, senior, c-1b-3b: Earned honorable mention All-State recognition last season after hitting .495 with seven home runs, four triples and 56 RBIs. “Kiernan will take on a different role for us this year, behind the plate, and will most likely split time between there and a corner infield position.”
Tori Busen, SMCC, senior, c: Hit .457 with 21 RBIs and 35 runs last season. “Tori is a natural leader and is our field general behind the plate. She is our lead-off hitter who provides power and speed.”
Addison Butt, Gibraltar Carlson, senior, p-of: Batted .325 last season and struck out 84 batters in 69.2 innings in the circle. “In her fourth year as a varsity player at Carlson she will look to add to her impressive statistics before moving onto the college game”
Mackenzie Chrysler, Milan, junior, p-1b: Delivered many key hits for the Big Reds last season. She will share pitching duties with sophomore Kendyll Fell.
Addeson Cousino, Whiteford, junior, u: Will play all over the diamond. “Addeson played most of the season at second base last year, but may move around this year defensively.”
Leila Daniels, Milan, senior, c: An All-Region choice last season when she hit .511. Also a standout defensively. “Leila is a game-changer on both offense and defense.”
Lauren Doane, Dundee, senior, p-1b: Complied a 14-1 record last season with 81 strikeouts and a 2.48 ERA. “Lauren has a quiet approach to the game and leadership with a hidden fire that comes out in the circle. Our quiet storm.”
Lauren Dunwoody, Gibraltar Carlson, junior, c-of: Batted .421 last spring and was an RBI machine. “Lauren is a clutch hitter who always seems to find a way to drive in runs"
Lindsey Gennoe, Jefferson, senior, c: Led the Bears with a .488 batting average last season. “She has a strong bat and great speed. We look to her leadership in helping develop our young pitchers.”
Sarah Giroux, Flat Rock, sophomore, 3b: Led the team with a .471 average as a freshman. “We had been watching and hearing about her the last couple of years and her entrance into the varsity setting didn’t disappoint. We look for her to pick up where she left off.”
Rylie Greggo, New Boston Huron, senior, p: Struck out 113 and hit .348 last season despite dealing with an injury. “She is our work horse and is stronger than ever this season. Her maturity and leadership are at the best I have seen.”
Reese Hennessey, Ida, senior, c: “Defensively I would put Reese up against any catcher in the county.” Hit .300 with 16 stolen bases and 27 runs last season.
You must be registered for see images attach
Aubrey Hensley, Bedford, senior, c: Hit .509 last season with five doubles, three triples, seven home runs and 13 stolen bases. “Aubrey is a one-of-a-kind athlete. She is dynamic on both sides of the ball and has the best field presence I've seen.”
Addie Homrich, Erie Mason, sophomore, p-ss: Led the team with 48 stolen bases last spring and hit .468. “Addie put in tremendous effort in the off-season. She is stronger, faster, and a threat offensively.”
Reese Knox, Milan, junior, ss: An All-Region player who helped Milan reach the state semifinals with a .425 average, 44 RBIs and 41 runs. “Great glove, strong arm and an explosive bat.”
Addi Kopp, Flat Rock, senior, ss: Hit .445 last year and plays solid defense. “We have referred to as steady Addi since she came into high school. She is a tough out and is just a special player to watch on both sides of the ball.”
Kaitlyn Kwiatkowski, Bedford, junior, of: A standout in centerfield and a terror on the bases who hit .435 with 34 stolen bases and 50 runs last spring. “Kaitlyn has insane speed and is a game changer on the bases. She played lock down defense for us this year.”
Avery Leach, Monroe, senior, 2b-3b: Played primarily second base last season, but will see time at third this year. “Avery has a really good eye for the ball. I am hoping to get 20 doubles and 25 stolen bases from her this year.”
Alivia LeBrun, Jefferson, junior, ss Shifting from second base to shortstop this spring. “She does an outstanding job in the field and we look forward to her improved hitting along with her speed and knowledge of the game.”
You must be registered for see images attach
Aly Lewis, Monroe, junior c-ss: Stamped herself as a strong defensive catcher in her first two seasons. She also will play shortstop this year. She racked 11 doubles and 5 triples in 2024. “She’s a strong girl, lots of power. We’re expecting a lot of things from her.”
Madi McCain, Ida, senior, p-utility: A Siena Heights volleyball recruit who hit .292 with 14 RBIs last spring. “Madi missed almost half the season last year due to injury but put-up impressive numbers in her short time back with us.”
Brooklyn Mills, Whiteford, senior, 1b: Hit .354 as the cleanup hitter for the Bobcats last spring. She will move to lead-off this year. “She is one of the great leaders in this group.”
Mia Miller, Summerfield, senior, 3b: “She is someone who gets exceptional reads off the bat and covers a lot of ground not to mention being a fierce competitor with a dangerous bat.”
Nyah Mullins, Bedford, senior 3b: Will play next year at Walters State after batting .430 with 13 doubles, 8 home runs and 44 RBIs last season. “She is an RBI machine that plays the game with such passion. She's incredibly patient in the box and played outstanding defense for us.”
Emma Neace, Flat Rock, junior, p: Won seven games last season and struck out 79. “She has always had great stuff the biggest improvement she’s made is her consistency and her knowledge of the flow of the game.”
Savanna Novencido, Summerfield, freshman, in-c: “I’m excited to see her shine in her freshman year. Her work ethic and skill will make a big impact on this team.”
Brea Olmstead, Summerfield, junior, p-1b: “She is a great all-around player— a very smart ball player, with an explosive bat and a strong presence in the circle.”
Brooke Payment, Jefferson, senior, 3b: Healthy again after missing half of last season with an injury. “We look to her to have a breakout season with a strong bat.”
You must be registered for see images attach
Olivia Piepsney, SMCC, sophomore, p: Threw the majority of the innings for the Kestrels as a freshman and hit .420 with 20 RBIs and 19 runs. “She is a great leader. Offensively she provides a lot of power to our lineup.”
Addison Ramsby, New Boston Huron, junior 2b: Shifting to second base this spring. “She has put a ton of work into her swing and it is really progressing into power and consistency. I think this is going to be her breakout year.”
Natalie Rath, Dundee, senior, ss-3b: Posted a .382 average with 38 stolen bases and 24 RBIs last spring. “She's the natural leader and positive voice of the team, with high expectations of herself and others.”
Maria Robbins, New Boston Huron, sophomore, ss: Made just 7 errors in 101 chances last spring and hit .320. “Maria came off one of the best defensive performances I have seen as a freshman, let alone one of the best shortstops in this Region. She is the heart and soul of our defense.”
Aryanna Sandusky, Gibraltar Carlson, senior, 3b-2b: Batted .443 in 2024 with only 4 strikeouts. She fielded at a .917 level while playing multiple positions. “She looks to deliver more of the same, high-level hitting and fielding”
You must be registered for see images attach
Jessica Schrader, Ida, senior, ss: Carried a .418 average with 37 runs and 21 stolen bases in 2024 while playing great defense. “Jess is one of the truest shortstops I’ve ever coached. Always in position and makes great decisions.”
Zoie Stubleski, Erie Mason, sophomore, ss-p: Was the top hitter for the Eagles as a freshman with a .528 average and drove in 27 runs. “Zoie is a three-sport athlete and excels in everything she does. … She brings power to our line-up but is also one of the most consistent hitters I have ever coached.”
Olivia Tilley, Airport, junior, 2b: Creates havoc with her speed. Made the All-Region team last season when she batted .533 with 60 runs and 42 steals.
Hannah Williams, SMCC, sophomore, c-if: Drove in 34 runs as a freshman while hitting .409 and scoring 24 times. “She is a weapon for us on offense. She might be one of the hardest hitters I have coached.”
Maci Willey, Monroe, senior, cf: Was special mention All-Region last season primarily because of excellent defense. She also is a dangerous hitter. “Willey will be a really good lead-off hitter for us. She has good speed, power and can slap.”
Avy Wood, Whiteford, sophomore, cf: “Avy started nearly every game for us in centerfield last year and she will anchor our outfield.”
This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: Year of the catcher? Cast your vote for Region's top softball player
Continue reading...
