By ROBERT L. LEE

Lutcher Carlie Humphries junior pitcher Jennifer Klibert senior first base

Humphries holds the title as the District 10-3A MVP, thanks to her 6-0 district record and .382 batting average.

“She does everything to the best of her abilities,” said coach Helen Funk.

“She’s the best person and best athlete in the district.” Humphries led the Lady Bulldogs in pitching and hitting and Funk said she expects an even better performance from her next season.

“Klibert is the one with the most heart, desire and dedication, she is a true team MVP,” said Funk. Klibert batted an overall .269 average and averaged .974 fielding percentage. Klibert played for three years, constantly increasing her level of play to move from outfield to first base and become a team leader.

“She overcomes whatever talent she’s lacking to be one of the best players, and it showed when she won the Guglielmo award for being the best female athlete and her attitude in the community,” added Funk.

“She has a love for the game and is a leader on and off the field. She gives 100 percent every day. Our concept is team, but to classify an MVP would be Jennifer Klibert.”

St. James Lynntrice Scott freshman third and shortstop Marquetta Harris senior catcher

“Both Scott and Harris had their share of home runs and RBIs, provided leadership on the team and had the best attitudes,” said head LadyCats coach Nicole Stewart. She added “they pushed the rest of the team on and off the field,” which kept the first year softball team moving ahead and preparing them for district competition next season.

East St. John Danielle Washington senior Brittany Falon junior pitcher Ricketta Nevers Tamisha Freeman

Washington was the only senior on the team and was credited for being “multi-talented and playing whatever position needed,” explained coach James Smith. “Fallon has a great attitude and helps keep things in place.”

He said he expects the experience gained from the Lady Cats’ first full year to make next year “that much better. We are at the point where we know each other and we are ready to build, this next season will be the test.”

Riverside Academy Summer Delaneuville senior pitcher Lauren Lambert junior outfielder Mindy Richard junior second base Ashley LeBlanc senior catcher

Delaneuville’s dream senior season also earned her the district MVP and a position on the East Squad during the East versus West Louisiana High School Coaches Association All-Star Game June 8 at LSU. In her last season alone, Delaneuville maintained an ERA of 0.10, struck out 317 batters, pitched eight no-hitters and 12 one-hitters for an overall record of 27-8. Behind the plate, she hit 29 RBIs, one home run and totalled a batting average of .450. Delaneuville signed a full scholarship to take the mound at Mississippi State University. Head coach Matt White credited Lambert and Richard for stepping up their game with .340 and .350 batting averages. He recognized three-year starter LeBlanc for being “one of the hardest workers I’ve ever coached, she led by example.” LeBlanc signed with Meridian Junior College, but White said she will easily be a division one prospect.

Destrehan Meagan Stock junior second base Emilee Bentz sophomore catcher Melissa Anderson senior outfielder

“Stock never missed practice and was the best overall player, offensively and defensively,” explained head coach Jamie Cologne. In her first year on the softball diamond, Stock made a single error and maintained a .385 batting average. Cologne said Bentz also worked exceptionally hard during practice, which showed by her .923 fielding percentage and .335 batting average. Anderson was the lone senior on the team and provided leadership. She finished with a perfect fielding percentage and a .306 batting average. Cologne said she had a young team, but the LadyCats increased their win-loss percentage, and the games they lost were by fewer runs. Next season the LadyCats will take advantage of seven seniors.

St. Charles Catholic Heather Heltz junior pitcher Katie Arcuri senior outfielder

Heltz and Arcuri stood out on the Lady Comets, but coach Michelle Dearmitt maintains she would pick all 20 players to be MVPs. “It was a total team effort. We had our ups and downs,” she said. “But we were productive towards the end.” The Lady Comets set two goals at the beginning of the season, to claim the district and state titles, although both remained out of reach. Dearmitt said the Lady Comets will be even stronger next year, by building on their players’ past playoff experience.

Reserve Christian School Renee Delaneuville Mary Venus Abby Jacob Heather West

Delaneuville earned the best defensive player award for her performance, while Venus claimed the best offensive player and Jacob was named the most improved player of the 2002 season. West was given the coach’s award. Head coach Michael Marix was out of town with the team and unavailable for further comment.

Hahnville Michelle Harrell senior Courtnie Frickey senior short stop Lindsey Yochim senior infielder Melanie Delaune senior catcher

These four seniors helped create an overwhelmingly united and confident team. Alongside first-year head coach Angela Beck, the Lady Tigers clinched the district title and traveled into the playoffs, finishing only a bat’s length from the state finals. Yochim was picked for the All-Metro team for both defensive and offensive ability. Yochim averaged .435 at the plate and a .500 on-base percentage.