G-H/V softball team lands three on NIC All-Conference lists

Three members of the Garner-Hayfield/Ventura softball team received All-Conference honors in the North Iowa Conference.

Maddie Tusha, a junior, received First Team All-Conference recognition.  Tusha, who plays centerfield, had a batting average of .384.  She had 27 single base hits and two doubles.  She scored 15 runs for the Cardinals and never struck out.

“Maddie really set the tone for our team,” said Coach Christina Weiser.  “She isn’t the most vocal leader, but as she goes we follow.  She’s one of those athletes that makes a difference all of the time and for us she made a positive impact every game, every day on the field.”

Tiara Van Gerpen, a sophomore, was named Second Team All-Conference.  She played short stop and had a batting average of .341.  She hit two doubles and 28 single base hits.  She scored 18 runs.  

“Tiara showed as much, if not more growth than anyone on our team.  She is without a doubt one of the fastest players around and she did a great job of learning to utilize that speed,” said Weiser.  “She really grew into a vocal leader and key member of our team.  With a young team, leadership can be a challenge, but she filled that role admirably.”

Earning Honorable Mention recognition was Mallory Van Oort. Van Oort, a sophomore, played left field for the Cardinals.  She had a batting average of .235 and recorded 15 RBI’s.  She had no errors all season in the outfield.

“Mallory was clutch for us.  She led our team in RBI’s and was the person we wanted up in those big situations.  From day one she was the one we as coaches trusted to make sure things were done the right way.  I greatly look forward to the progress she will make, because she works so hard every day to get better.”