The CIML-Metro has named their all-conference teams for the 2016 softball season, and Ottumwa is well represented after a very good campaign.
On the first team, 8th grader Kacy Nickerson, who was 15-4 as the Bulldogs’ pitcher and batted .370 in her first varsity season, was a unanimous choice for the First Team. She was one of only three athletes in the conference selected unanimously, along with Indianola sophomore pitcher Sidney Sickels and Des Moines Hoover junior catcher Madisen Blackford.
Also on the First Team was senior infielder Ellie Hammack for Ottumwa, along with junior outfielder/catcher Madi Wiley.
On the Second Team, Ottumwa had a quartet of players honored. Senior shortstop Kaleigh Schreiner was listed on the infield, while sophomore pitcher Dakota Garrison was honored. Juniors Alexis Nelson (outfield) and Kaylee Glasgow (infield) were also named to the Second Team All-Metro.
The Bulldogs also had three players listed among the honorable mentions. Seniors Kelsey Peyton and Georgia Garrett were honored alongside freshman Morgan Greiner for outstanding 2016 seasons.
Ottumwa finished second in the Metro this season with an 18-5 mark in conference play. They had a 30-8 record overall. Indianola won the conference with a 20-2 record within the conference, and currently have a 32-9 record. They play Urbandale in the state quarterfinals Monday afternoon as a slight underdog.
Indianola departs the Metro after this season to join the already-loaded Little Hawkeye Conference, who had six of their seven teams ranked at one point this season and all seven hosted at least their first postseason game this season. With that move occurring, Ottumwa will be looking to once again dominate with a young core under legendary head coach Frank Huston.
