STEPHANIE SPEIERMAN
Hammond
The sophomore pitcher dominated the competition in a record-breaking season -- opening the season with a perfect game and ending it with another as the No. 5 Golden Bears (23-1) captured their first Class 2A state crown with a 4-0 win over North East-Cecil.
Speierman's effort in the title game typified the masterful season she enjoyed -- striking out 19 of the 21 batters she faced to bring her state-record total to 426 for the season. She also supplied the key hit -- a two-run triple to start the scoring. For the season, Speierman went 23-1 with a 0.20 ERA while hitting .649 with 18 RBIs and 30 runs scored. She was issued 37 walks -- 24 intentional -- which also set a state mark.
RICHARD POND
Hammond
In his fourth year with the program and first as head coach, Pond guided the Golden Bears to their first county, regional and state crowns. Pond, who became the program's eighth head coach in 11 years, was quick to praise the work of his varsity assistant, Brad Speierman, who shared in all the decision-making.
In becoming the first Howard County program to win a state championship, the Golden Bears kept their focus on the task at hand throughout the season, with their only loss coming to Centennial after a 16-0 start.
Name, School, Class, Pos.
Katie Hobson Centennial Junior Pitcher
Becky Schmidt Glenelg Senior Pitcher
Stephanie Speierman Hammond Soph. Pitcher
Michelle Gravdahl Long Reach Soph. Catcher
Lindsey Frost Hammond Senior First base
Jessica Grimshaw Centennial Junior Second base
Jessica Oleinik Centennial Senior Third base
Leah Cossentino Glenelg Senior Shortstop
Michelle Grap Centennial Senior Shortstop
Lacey Barnett Centennial Senior Outfield
Kaitlyn Griffith Mt. Hebron Senior Outfield
Jennifer Hilchey Centennial Senior Outfield
Name, School, Class, Position
Lisa Alban Mt. Hebron Senior Pitcher
Jessica Tabacca River Hill Senior Pitcher
Alex Schovee River Hill Soph. Catcher
Laura Scruggs Mt. Hebron Senior Catcher
Casey Schmidt Glenelg Freshman First base
Robin Abernathy Long Reach Junior Second base
Caroline Peddicord Long Reach Senior Third base
Gina Ager River Hill Senior Shortstop
Lauren Ahrens Chapelgate Junior Shortstop
Kelsey Fuller Mar. Ridge Freshman Outfield
Jessica Purdy Hammond Senior Outfield
Emma Smith Howard Junior Shortstop
Note: Team selected by Glenn Graham after consultation with The Sun staff and area coaches.
Kelsey Fuller's information was misstated in the print edition of this article. The Sun regrets the error.