Lower, Gabriel among eight to receive all-state softball honors

Photo by: Lisa-Ann Ishihara

Photo

Ursuline's Casey Lower (22) pitches to Champion at Friday's game in Lisbon, May 22, 2009.

COLUMBUS — Ursuline’s Casey Lower and Poland’s Erin Gabriel are among the eight area high school softball players receiving all-state honors from the Ohio High School Fastpitch Softball Coaches Association.

Lower, a junior, was 26-7 and pitched the Irish to the Division III state title game. She received second-team all-state honors.

Gabriel, a freshman pitcher, led the Bulldogs to the All-American Conference Red Tier title with an unbeaten league record.

Poland played in the Div. II regional final, losing to Tallmadge, 1-0. Gabriel received second-team honors.

Also in Division II, Mooney catcher Christina Hrehor was named honorable mention.

Warren JFK senior pitcher Rachel Pico was named first team in Div. IV. Pico helped lead the Eagles to the regional final where they lost to Crestline, 3-1.

Sebring’s Jillian Faudree, a senior outfielder, was selected to the Div. IV second team while Mathews junior infielder Stephanie Durig was honorable mention.

In Div. III, two Champion players were selected. Senior catcher Katie Saluga was named to the first team while freshman pitcher Lindsay Swipas was honorable mention.

Champion won the AAC Blue Tier, going unbeaten in league play. The Golden Flashes lost the district final game to Ursuline, 3-2 in nine innings.