Awards banquet wraps up season

Monticello High School’s softball season was celebrated during its annual awards banquet July 14 at the Eagles Club in Monticello. 

Head coach Bret McDonald recounted a season in which the Panthers went 14-23, ending with a dramatic comeback win over Center Point-Urbana in the regional quarterfinals before losing to top-ranked Davenport Assumption in the semifinals. 

“It’s the things we did throughout the year that we’ll remember,” McDonald said. “The memories that we made. Everyone gave their best effort each and every night, and I appreciate that.” 

The coach also presented a special award to Annie Schlarmann for the support she provided throughout the season. 

A list of award-winners follows. 

ALL-CONFERENCE 

North Division team: Sydney Hansen, senior infielder; Tori McDonald, sophomore utility. 

Honorable mention: Aspen Gillmore, senior; Jaelynn Kraus, senior. 

TEAM AWARDS 

Most Improved: Maddie Fellinger, senior; Jordan Kuper, junior. 

Panther Pride Award: Jaelynn Kraus, senior. 

Hustle Award: Reese Cox, sophomore; Lainy Fellinger, sophomore. 

Newcomer of the Year: Jaelyn Aitchison, eighth-grader. 

Golden Glove (fielding percentage of .900 or better): Maddie Fellinger, senior; Sydney Hansen, senior; Jordan Kuper, junior; Lainy Fellinger, sophomore; Tori McDonald, sophomore; Jaelyn Aitchison, eighth-grader. 

Silver Slugger (batting average of .300 or better): Sydney Hansen, senior; Jaelynn Kraus, senior; Jordan Kuper, junior; Tori McDonald, sophomore.

ACADEMIC ALL-CONFERENCE 

Seniors: Aspen Gillmore, Sydney Hansen, Jaelynn Kraus. 

Junior: Jordan Kuper. 

Sophomores: Reese Cox, Lainy Fellinger, Tori McDonald. 

Freshmen: Piper Hansen, Karle Kramer. 

JUNIOR VARSITY AWARDS 

Most Improved: Kayla Simmons, freshman. 

Hustle Award: Karle Kramer, freshman. 

Panther Pride Award: Piper Hansen, freshman. 

FRESH-SOPH AWARDS 

Most Improved: Bella Mullen, eighth-grader. 

Hustle Award: Reagan Schneiter, eighth-grader.