LYNCHBURG, Va. – Six Hokies were named to the 2023 VaSID All-State University Division Softball team, the organization announced on Monday. Virginia Tech led the way with six honorees, including four on the First Team and two on the Second Team.
A unanimous First Team selection, Bre Peck led the Hokies in home runs, hitting 16 this season. She posted a .325 batting average with 14 doubles (a team-high) as well as two triples and 42 RBI. Peck was also the team leader with a .753 slugging percentage and scored 41 runs. The sophomore had two games with multiple home runs, as well as a 5-RBI outing against Virginia to lead the Hokies.
Representing the outfield on the First Team, Emma Ritter and Addy Greene earn a spot on the All-State team. Offensively, Ritter was ranked first in the ACC and second nationally as the toughest to strike out heading into the 2023 postseason. She struck out only five times in 185 at bats this season, posting a .368 batting average with 10 doubles, two triples and 14 home runs, adding a .670 slugging percentage. She also led the Hokies with 46 RBI.
Greene was one of the team leaders in home runs this season, hitting 14 to rank second on the team. She added a .305 batting average with eight doubles and one triple, as well as a .617 slugging percentage to rank third on the team. Greene scored 39 runs on the season and drove in 34 runs. She was also tied for third on the team with 103 total bases.
Leading the team with 283 strikeouts, Emma Lemley also earned a spot on the First Team. She ranked first in the ACC and third nationally in total strikeouts heading into the postseason. The right-hander also led the conference in strikeouts per seven innings. The sophomore posted a 21-11 record in the circle this season with a .239 batting average against, adding three saves.
Representing the Hokies on the Second Team, Jayme Bailey did not make an error at first base all season, recording 290 putouts. She also had a .318 batting average with four doubles, two triples and 12 home runs. Bailey finished the 2023 season with a .572 slugging percentage, including 55 hits and 36 runs scored, adding four stolen bases.
Rounding out the Second Team is Kelsey Brown, who led the Hokies in batting average this season with a .423, tallying 44 hits and scoring 26 runs in 104 at bats. She struck out only six times and was a perfect 19-for-19 in stolen bases. Brown was one of the team leaders in on base percentage with a .439, adding a .452 slugging percentage.
2023 VaSID All-State University Division Softball Team
First Team
C – Caroline Hudson, Liberty*
1B – Hannah Shifflett, James Madison
2B – KK Mathis, James Madison
3B – Cori McMillan, Radford
SS – Devyn Howard, Liberty
OF – Emma Ritter, Virginia Tech
OF – Rachel Roupe, Liberty
OF – Addy Greene, Virginia Tech
DP/Utility – Bre Peck, Virginia Tech*
P – Karlie Keeney, Liberty*
P – Eden Bigham, Virginia
P – Emma Lemley, Virginia Tech
Second Team
C – Bella Henzler, James Madison
1B – Jayme Bailey, Virginia Tech
2B – Jaden Pone, Longwood
3B – Kenna Higa, Norfolk State
SS – Jasmine Hall, James Madison
OF – Kelsey Brown, Virginia Tech
OF – KK Madrey, Liberty
OF – Kelly Ayer, Virginia
DP/Utility – Tori Gilbert, Virginia
P – Cam Andersen, Norfolk State
P – Alexis Robinson, Norfolk State
P – Jenny Bressler, Virginia
* Unanimous Selection
VaSID Player of the Year – Caroline Hudson, Liberty
VaSID Pitcher of the Year – Karlie Keeney, Liberty
VaSID Coach of the Year – Dot Richardson, Liberty
VaSID Rookie of the Year – Eden Bigham, Virginia