By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

Softball is a sport where statistics are king.

The list of statistical categories tracked is like a wave of numbers that never stops.

I remember reading Baseball Weekly as a kid, with the back pages filled with statistical leaders. There were all the ones that most are accustomed with like batting average, home runs, runs scored, and more.

Then when you flipped a page, you eventually saw a listing of next-level leaders like batting average with a two-strike count or home runs hit on weekend games and a variety of numbers that would be classified as “analytics” in today’s professional sports bubble.

In a world of stats and numbers, though, one that is missing is “runs saved.”

A statistic designed to spotlight the elite defenders who halt base-running advancements or disrupt rallies with their defensive gems.

Think of it almost as an RBI in reverse.

Even without it, though, it is easy to identify a game-changing defensive player.

Their glove gets to every ball.

Their arm strength is electric.

Their instincts almost seem supernatural.

The best of these players are so valuable that their award is made of gold.

The Gold Gloves.

Portage County has them, too, and I proudly present to you the 10th annual Gold Glove award winners.

RACHEL DEVENISH

AURORA

Senior catcher

Coach Sam Petrash: “Rachel’s ability to block allows pitchers to throw their pitches comfortably. Her quick transition and strong arm shuts down opponents’ running game. Teams have only tried to steal three times in 10 games off her.”

AUDREY JULIAN

CRESTWOOD

Senior outfield

Notable Statistics: Fielding percentage over .900.

Coach Matt Helm: “Audrey has greatly improved these past two seasons and has become our outfield leader.” 

AVERI WEIS

FIELD

Senior catcher

Notable Statistics: 2 errors in 63 chances, thrown out seven of nine base-runners.

Coach Beth Dyer: “Averi does an outstanding job behind the plate and really sets the tone for the entire team. her leadership stands out every game and pitchers trust her ability to help keep them focused. She shows great toughness and determination, especially with blocking and her willingness to give her all on every play. On top of that, her work ethic and reliability make a big impact.”

EMILY KNEREM

GARFIELD

Sophomore catcher and shortstop

Notable Defensive Statistics: .976 fielding percentage.

Coach Tina Faulhaber. “No one works harder than Emily at the game overall. She is an active leader on the field, who gives 110 percent at all times. She continues to improve and excel at all tasks set before her, while cheering on others and exemplifying what it means to be a true teammate.”

EDEN CRAVER-DEAN

KENT ROOSEVELT

Freshman utility

Notable Statistics: 1.000 fielding percentage.

Coach Jay Weiss: “Eden has saved us from at least six throwing errors due to her stretch and scoop capabilities. She is a coach’s dream. Her team-first attitude and commitment to improve every day is what truly makes her special.”

RYLEE CLARK

MOGADORE

Senior centerfielder

Notable Statistics: 1.000 fielding percentage.

Coach Calee Lung: “Rylee is not only extremely talented, but she is an amazing leader in the outfield. She is always teaching others and holding her teammates accountable. She is always talking and keeping her teammates in the outfield engaged. She is one of the most coachable athletes I’ve had.”

MALLORY STERBA

RAVENNA

Senior catcher

Coach Luke Darrah: “Mallory has done a great job in managing our young pitching staff and keeping them grounded. She is great at blocking low pitches and has been doing that for four years.”

REISE THOMAS

ROOTSTOWN

Senior shortstop

Coach Paige Byers: “Reise is the leader of our defense at shortstop. She has great speed that allows her to cover a lot of ground on the field and her communication every play has really improved our defense as a whole.”

MORGAN MUNCY

SOUTHEAST

Senior utility

Coach Erin Muncy: “Morgan is a true utility player and a very valuable part of our team. So far this season, she has mostly played first base and third base, but could be trusted to go anywhere on the field. Her competitiveness, knowledge of the game and athletic nature enable her to be this type of player.”

OLIVIA DETORO

STREETSBORO

Junior catcher

Notable Statistics: 2 passed balls, 1 stolen base allowed.

Coach LeRoy Moore: “Olivia has been our mainstay and primary receiver for our pitchers, howe,ever, this year we required her services at shortstop and second base in a couple of games. Although considered three of the most demanding positions in the infield, she only has two errors charged to her. She has the athleticism to play anywhere and is open to play anywhere to help the team.”

JOLEAN HAMPTON

WATERLOO

Sophomore pitcher and third base

Notable Statistics: 1.000 fielding percentage.

Coach Brenda Flarida: “Jolean is a strong defensive player, either on the mound or playing third base. As a pitcher, she keeps us in every game and fields her position. She works hard all year-round as a player and strives to get better every day. She is a true workhorse.”

MAKENNA JONES

Windham

Sophomore catcher

Notable Statistics: 78 putouts.

Coach Larry Jones: “Makenna works hard every chance she gets, and she also has an upbeat attitude that keeps her teammates laughing.”