BCR softball preview: 5 players to watch

Makayla Hecht, Princeton (Jr., 3B)

The PHS junior has been giving them Hecht for two years on the varsity and shows no signs of slowing down. The Tigresses leadoff hitter had an area-best 31 stolen bases and 36 runs scored. She batted .481 with four doubles and 10 RBIs, receiving First-Team Three Rivers East All-Conference honors.

Kelsea Klingenberg, Princeton (Sr., OF)

The slap-hitter carried an area-high .489 batting average with 22 runs, 10 RBIs, 17 stolen bases and a triple last year. She was chosen unanimously First-Team Three Rivers East All-Conference. She has committed to play for Parkland College.

Princeton’s Kelsea Klingenberg makes a catch against Rock Falls Wednesday, May 15, 2024 a the Class 2A regional softball semifinal. — Kelsea Klingenberg (Alex T. Paschal)

Keely Lawson, Princeton (Jr., IF/OF)

Lawson batted an even .400 in her debut with PHS last season, leading the Tigresses with 39 RBIs, six homers and 37 runs along with seven doubles and 17 steals. She was chosen unanimously First-Team Three Rivers East All-Conference.

Princeton short stop Keely Lawson makes a tag at second base on a steal attempt by Rockridge on Tuesday at Little Siberia Field. — Keely Lawson (Mike Vaughn)

Avah Oertel, Princeton (So., P/IF)

Oertel is a dual-threat for the Tigresses, batting .357 with a team-high six homers and 10 doubles along with 36 RBIs and 35 runs as a freshman. The unanimously First-Team Three Rivers East All-Conference selection also went 8-6 record with a 3.42 ERA in the circle.

Princeton pitcher Avah Oertel throws a pitch to Bureau Valley on Thursday, April 25, 2024 at Bureau Valley High School. — Avah Oertel (Scott Anderson)

Carly Reglin, Bureau Valley (Sr., P/IF)

Reglin will take over the role as ace for the defending regional champion Storm with the transfer of classmate Madison Smith to Annawan. Reglin posting a 7-2 record with a 2.42 ERA and 41 strikeouts, named Second-Team Three Rivers East All-Conference.

Bureau Valley's Carly Reglin makes her pitch Monday against Annawan-Wethersfield. — Carly Reglin (Mike Vaughn)

Keep an eye on: Lily Bosnich, St. Bede (jr., SS); Izzy Gibson, Princeton (jr., C); Ellie Harp, Princeton (sr., IF); Maci Kelly, St. Bede (sr., 2B); Caroline Keutzer, Princeton (jr., OF); Caroline Morris, Hall (so., C); Kiyrra Morris, Princeton (so, C/IF); Reese Reviglio, Princeton (jr., P); Emma Slingsby, St. Bede (jr., OF); Emma Stull, BV (sr., 1B); Sam Woolley, Princeton (sr., 1B); Emily Wright, Bureau Valley (jr., C).