by Lisa Hinton-Valdrighi
Chincoteague pitcher Alex McComb, who helped lead the Ponies to an 11-4 record as a Region 1A semifinalist, was chosen as the Region 1A softball player of the year.
Ellen Gaines, who led Rappahannock to its sixth straight regional championship, was named the coach of the year. After beating Middlesex, 4-3, in the regional final, the Raiders went on to win a Class 1 state quarterfinal game, 15-1, over Altavista before Rye Cove ended the Raiders state tournament run with an 8-1 semifinal defeat.
Rappahannock had four all-region first team selections in senior pitcher Claire Dameron, senior catcher Reagan Dameron, junior outfielder Kelsie Rogers and sophomore designated player Lauren Johnson. Middlesex also placed four on the first team in junior pitcher Magen Daniels, junior second baseman Libby Oliver, sophomore third baseman Courtney Jessie and senior outfielder Candace Brown.
Others named to the first team were Chincoteague senior first baseman Lilly Mathews, senior shortstop Sara Godwin and McComb; and Essex senior outfielder Bailey Fones.
The second team includes Westmoreland sophomore pitcher Emma Burgess, junior third baseman Aven Clarke, senior shortstop Whitnee Rotenizer and senior outfielder Brittney Rose; Essex senior pitcher Kylie Jones, sophomore first baseman Morgan Self and sophomore second baseman Aryeon Robinson; West Point junior Terrah Henrich and sophomore outfielder; Chincoteague senior outfielder Marley Katsetsus and sophomore designated player Carmela Rosanova; and Middlesex junior catcher Kayleigh Moye.
