After a surprising return to form as a team loaded with underclassmen, the Iola Mustangs’ softball team received multiple All-Pioneer League recognitions.
Sophomore utility player Addie Wacker, freshman pitcher Haidyn Desmarteau and freshman first baseman Breighlynn Rutherford were each named to the All-Pioneer League Team after the Mustangs finished the season in the middle of the Pioneer League standings.
Hot off a state wrestling championship earlier this season, Wacker continued her winning ways for Iola in a variety of roles, resulting in her selection to the All-Pioneer League first team. She often started at catcher in the openers of Iola’s doubleheaders, then shifted to the infield to provide a reliable glove in the nightcap. Along with her skills on defense, Wacker also provided a powerful bat as one of the Mustangs most consistent hitters.
Starting in front of Wacker was All-Pioneer League first team selection freshman pitcher Haidyn Desmarteau. Iola’s ace this season, Desmarteau was not averse to starting back-to-back games when needed, often shifting to shortstop or second base in the second games of doubleheaders. As lead-off hitter, Desmarteau was one of Iola’s most consistent batters.
A bit farther down the lineup, Rutherford was one of Iola’s most dominating power hitters and deserving of her All-Pioneer League second team selection. She showed early promise with a home run against one of Humboldt’s most dominating pitchers and regularly made athletic plays at first, either digging up errant throws or reaching to tag out runners after fielding a bunt or a nearby grounder.
Iola’s Pioneer League selections are just the appetizer for next season, as all but one of the Mustangs’ starters, senior outfielder Faith Warden, return to the lineup.
