Posen standouts make D-IV first team

by Peter Jakey–Managing Editor

Posen senior Anna Couture and junior Ashley Meyers earned first-team all-state honors for their accomplishments on the diamond this past spring.

Both set new Viking softball records in leading the team to a regional tournament.

Couture, a four time all-state player, received the honor for her play at shortstop. Meyers got the nod at one of the toughest positions to earn all-state accolades: pitcher.

Head coach Glenn Budnick said the word that describes Couture was consistency. She was an all-state honorable mention her first two years, before receiving first team honors the last two.

Couture also was a Miss Softball nominee. In addition, she has verbally committed to play at Alma.

“What separated her from a lot of other girls was her intelligence on the field,” said Budnick. “She put a lot of pressure on herself, and excelled with that pressure.” Her average increased in each of her four postseason games.

She set the record for career runs with 225, and career hits at 222. During her 2013 season, Couture struck out only twice.

Meyers received the honor as a pitcher, but carried a big stick for the Vikings and hit at a record pace. She now stands alone with the best single-season at .674.

She also set the record with 63 RBI in a season.

In 32 games, Meyers ripped seven homers, 19 doubles, but also scored 66 runs, a .806 on-base percentage and a 1.191 slugging percentage.

She also became stronger as a pitcher and tied the record for most career wins at 48.

“What separates Ashley is her ability to not only hit, but hit the long ball, and hit for power,” said Budnick.

Senior Danielle Rhode (.367,

27 RBI, 33 H) was named to the first team all-region, district and conference teams. “She was a great athlete to coach,” said Budnick. “She always had a smile on her face.”

Senior Abbie Delekta also made first-team all-region, district and conference squads. She batted an even .500 with 41 hits and 43 RBI.

“Just a solid consistent hitter,” the coach said. “She has been a force in our line up for the last four years.”

Sophomore Taylor Chojnacki (.397, 26 RBI, 24 R) was all-conference honorable mention, but made first-team all region and district. She also was 7-3 as a pitcher.

Sophomore Amy Buczkowski was first team all-district and an all-conference honorable mention. She hit .385, but led the team with 10 sacrifices. “She got Anna in scoring position when she got on base, so Ashley could drive her in,” said Budnick. “If Ashley did not get her in, Abbie did.”