After finishing third in the Southwest District regular season standings and earning a berth in the Region IV playoffs, Carroll County’s softball team was awarded with five selections to the All-Southwest District team.

The Cavaliers went 10-11 overall and 6-4 in the SWD to finish third in the district before falling to Cave Spring in the Region IV quarterfinals.

Leading the way for Carroll County was senior pitcher Rebecca Thomas. Thomas, an All-SWD first-team selection as an at-large player, struck out 193 batters in 122 innings of work in 2009. Thomas allowed just 30 earned runs for an outstanding 1.72 ERA. She compiled a 9-9 record on the mound to go along with one save. Thomas will continue her softball career at Emory & Henry College next fall.

Four Cavaliers joined Thomas on the All-SWD squad as second-team selections. Senior Grace Ayers earned second-team outfield honors after leading the Cavs in runs scored with 12. A centerfielder, Ayers ripped 12 hits, which was tied for fourth best on the team.

Senior shortstop Leanna Rippey earned second-team all-district honors for the second consecutive season in 2009. “Scrappy,” as she is also known, finished second on the team with 10 runs and tied for second-best on the club with 5 RBIs. Rippey also belted 12 base hits in 2009.

Lillie Kimble also snagged an All-SWD second-team nod after leading the Cavs in a number of offensive categories. Kimble’s .375 batting average and .518 slugging percentage both were team highs. She also tied for the team lead in base hits (21), doubles (6) and triples (1). Kimble was third on the team in runs scored (9) and she also drove in three runs.

Lexi Hodge also was voted to the All-SWD second team as a catcher. Hodge scored eight runs and finished tied for second on the team with 5 RBIs. She also finished second on the team in slugging percentage (.458) and third in hits (20), doubles (5) and batting average (.339).

SWD regular season and tournament champion Richlands led the way in all-district voting with six players on the first team. Richlands ace Lindsey Lester was voted SWD Pitcher of the Year, while the Blue Tornado’s coaching staff was tabbed as Coaching Staff of the Year. Tazewell’s Kelsey Sutherland was named SWD Player of the Year.

All-Southwest District

First Team

Infield — Kelsey Sutherland, Tazewell; Megan Robinson, Richlands; Cassie Ringstaff, Richlands; Kaitlyn Stewart, Abingdon.

Outfield — Iesha Mountain, Tazewell; Lauren Wilson, Abingdon; Holly Bandy, Richlands

Pitcher — Lindsey Lester, Richlands; Natalie Parsons, Tazewell

Catcher — Sydnei Lester, Tazewell; Kelli Hess, Richlands.

At Large — Rebecca Thomas, Carroll County; Evan Ferrell, Richlands; Debbie Proulex, Abingdon

Pitcher of the Year

Lindsey Lester, Richlands

Player of the Year

Kelsey Sutherland, Tazewell

Coach of the Year

Richlands Coaching Staff

Second Team

Infield — Leanne Rippey, Carroll County; Sabrina Viers, Abingdon; Lillie Kimble, Carroll County; Morgan Hill, Richlands

Outfield — Amber Sparks, Tazewell; Grace Ayers, Carroll County; Hannah Bays, Abingdon; Kellie Dickey

Pitcher — Kaitlyn Pruitt, Abingdon; Shannie Miller, Graham

Catcher — Lexi Hodge, Carroll County; Kelsey Hart, Marion