Historic softball season celebrated.

From BleckleyProgress.com

High School Sports
Historic softball season celebrated.
By Dave Whitaker
Dec 7, 2010, 00:31

Baby pictures of seniors are always a part of any slideshow.

The last time Bleckley softball advanced in the state playoffs was 2001. Still playing slow-pitch, the Lady Royals finished fourth at state. Since converting to fastpich, Bleckley had made it to state consistently, but did not advance.

Nicole Tomlinson receives her goody bag and t-shirt

This year, BCHS made history as they advanced to the sweet 16 for the first time since going to fastpitch. Monday the season was celebrated at the awards banquet held inside the Bethany Baptist Church fellowship hall.

JV Best Offensive Player Leslie Holland.

Head coach Christie Bergh provided the welcome and thanked everyone for their support this year. Steaks were on the menu, Ashley Bryan blessed the food. A photo slide show of the season also featuring the career of the seniors was shown.

JV Co-defensive player (and MVP) Maggie Bell.

Bergh and assistant coach Brandy Anderson presented goodie bags and t-shirts to the players in honor of the team's season. Senior players also recieved gifts from the coaches.

Head coach Christie Bergh presented varsity awards like the most improved award which went to Lindsey Dabbs.

Anderson handed out JV awards. Best Offense: Leslie Holland. Best Defense: Joanna Knight and Maggie Bell. Most Improved: Jennifer Biron. Most Spirited: Caroline Meadows. MVP: Maggie Bell.

Jill Couch got a loud ovation when announced as MVP/

Bergh presented varsity awards: Best offense: Chelce Yearty. Best Defense: Jill Couch. Most Improved: Lindsey Dabbs. Most Spirited: Bailey Bollinger. MVP: Jill Couch. Heather Dixon Leadership award: Elizabeth Wynne.

All-Region second team player SunnyKate Darsey.

The Lady Royals had seven players make the all-region softball team. Player of the year Chelce Yearty along with first team members Jill Couch, Lana Maddox, and Taylor Little. Mychavia Harris, Marlee Bryan, and SunnyKate Darsey made the second team. All were recognized and received trophies.

Chelce Yearty was named Region 3-AA player of the year and also won the best offense award.

In her closing remarks, Bergh talked about how glad she was to have gotten the opportunity to coach this year's seniors. She said she would be there if they ever needed anything. Bergh said she was excited about the talent coming back next year and she looked forward to coaching them.

Elizabeth Wynne won the Heather Dixon Leadership Award.

Coaches were presented gifts by both the team and from the seniors themselves. Jan Yearty, in her final banquet as Diamond Club president, presented gifts to Ms. Jackie Messier who drove the team all season and to radio broadcasters Don Byram and Terry Darsey.

Jackie Messier receives a gift from Diamond Club President Jan Yearty in appreciation of being the team's bus driver this season.

Before dismissing the banquet, Bergh publicly thanked Yearty for her efforts as president. She again expressed her appreciation to everyone for their support this year. Congratulations to all the award winners.

The award winners. Kneeling L-R: Taylor Little, Chelce Yearty, Bailey Bollinger, Lana Maddox, Lindsey Dabbs. Standing L-R: Maggie Bell, Mychavia Harris, Caroline meadows, SunnyKate Darsey, Marlee Bryan, Jill Couch. (Not pictured: Jennifer Biron.