NSA softball trio make TCIS first team
Published 8:27 pm Tuesday, May 12, 2015
A junior, sophomore and freshman represented Nansemond-Suffolk Academy’s softball team on the 2015 All-TCIS first team — Katie Peelen, Delaney Taylor and Madi Wilson, respectively.
Lady Saints starting pitcher Katie Peelen was the lone upperclassman of the trio, meshing well in her first year with the team after transferring in from Lakeland High School.
“I think it was a very smooth transition,” NSA coach Brittany Wilkins said.
Though she has been sidelined by injury for the last few games, Peelen currently has a record of 9-6 in the circle and an earned run average of 2.50.
“Without her, we would not have got nearly as far as we got,” Wilkins said.
Nansemond-Suffolk currently has a record of 14-7, it was the runner-up in the Tidewater Conference of Independent Schools tournament and it has advanced to the Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association Division II state semifinals.
Peelen has also been a strong contributor on offense, currently possessing a .400 batting average and .507 on-base percentage.
She made the All-Ironclad Conference second team last year with the Lady Cavaliers.
Sophomore shortstop/second baseman Delaney Taylor moved up to the All-TCIS first team this year after making the second team last season.
Wilkins said that what she thought jumped out about Taylor to coaches in the conference who voted her onto the first team was her “presence at the plate.”
Taylor currently has a .446 batting average, best on the team, she is tied for the team-lead with 29 runs scored and a .520 on-base percentage, and she is second on the team with 29 hits.
Praising Taylor’s defensive prowess, Wilkins said, “She’s got the best glove on the team.”
Freshman catcher Madi Wilson’s first team recognition is the first all-conference softball accolade of her career.
Wilkins cited Wilson’s discipline and demeanor behind the plate that likely attracted votes.
“I think she commands the field very well and was very vocal,” the coach said.
She leads the Lady Saints with 115 put outs and a .992 fielding percentage.
On offense, she has a .435 batting average, she leads the team with 30 hits and nine doubles, and she is tied for the team-lead with 29 runs batted in.
Making the All-TCIS second team for NSA were junior Brooklyne Carr and freshmen Dani Goodman and Emerson Puzey.