Five selected to All-Midwest Region team
A pair of Kirkwood Community College softball players were named NJCAA All-Americans after standout play this season. Sophomore Nicole Fisher (Conrad, Iowa) garnered First Team All-American honors, while freshman Kayla Tatge (Milan, Ill.) earned a spot on the second team. Joining Fisher and Tatge on the NFCA All-Midwest Region team are sophomores Catie Flaucher (Independence, Iowa) and Jenny Nelson (Carol Stream, Ill.) and freshman Haylee Krack (Silvis, Ill.).
Fisher, Tatge, Nelson and Krack helped the Eagles set a team record of 99 home runs this season, breaking the mark of 95 set last year. The closest conference opponent slugged 73 this season.
Fisher put up impressive numbers as the Eagles’ leadoff hitter. Leading the team in home runs (25) and hits (85), Fisher hit .417 with 21 doubles and five triples. She was perfect on the base paths with 25 stolen bases. Fisher claimed the school career home run record with 36. She will continue her student-athlete career at the University of Northern Iowa next fall, joining her twin sister who currently pitches for the Panthers.
Designated player Kayla Tatge had an outstanding year at the plate, crushing 20 home runs with a .357 batting average. She had 60 hits, 16 doubles and two triples.
Catie Flaucher tallied 223 strikeouts with just 20 walks, in 148.2 innings, en route to her NFCA All-Midwest Region selection. Finishing the season 22-3, Flaucher led the country in strikeouts per inning (1.57) and the conference in ERA (.80). Next season, Flaucher will continue her career in Cedar Rapids playing for Mount Mercy University.
Competing in all 56 games, Haylee Krack had 67 hits with 17 home runs, seven doubles and two triples. The third baseman slugged for a .385 batting average with 55 RBIs.
Infielder Jenny Nelson completed her Kirkwood career hitting .404 with 21 home runs, 61 hits, 10 doubles, three triples and 66 RBIs this season. As a freshman, Nelson hit 14 home runs with a .358 batting average. She will play at Winona State University next season.
The Eagles finished the season with a 43-13 overall record, and a 20-8 conference record. The team resumes play this fall.