June 13, 2015

Gibson Southern Crowned 3A Champs
In a rematch of the 2014 3A State Finals, Gibson Southern avenged their loss from the previous season and earned their first championship in softball since 2005.

The lions jumped on the scoring first, plating two runs in the third inning on a Gibson Southern fielding error and RBI single from sophomore shortstop Abbie Heischman.

The Titans wasted no time in answering, however, as their offense broke through for a big fifth inning. The hit parade began with back to back singles by senior Sydney Norris and sophomore Cora Blume. Second baseman Hannah Bryant followed suit and tied the game with an RBI single to left field to keep the barrage going. After three more hits and three more runs, Gibson Southern found themselves in command of the game with a 5-2 lead.

Coach Ben Shappell’s squad would not go away quietly, though, as they answered with an Abbie Heischman run in the fifth inning. With Leo threatening to tie the game in the bottom of the seventh inning, pitcher Jaime Nurrenbern closed the door by stranding an opposing runner on third base.

Coach Gary May’s Titans ended their championship run with a record of 28-4, while the Leo Lions finish their season 29-3.

Lindsey Bowers of Leo named Mental Attitude Award winner
Members of the IHSAA Executive Committee announced Lindsey Bowers of Leo High School as the winner of this year’s Mental Attitude Award in Class 3A Softball.

During the 2014 season, Bowers helped lead Leo to its first ever state championship in softball while only allowing one earned run over the duration of the state tournament. This season, she was honored with First Team All-State recognition. After being named All-Conference each of the past two years, Bowers owns the Leo High School record for highest winning percentage by a starting pitcher (91.7%).

Outside of softball, Bowers is an active member of both her school and her community. She is a National Honors Society member, volunteers with Special Olympics, and helps organize fundraisers for the homeless and for Christmas presents for under-privileged families. While in school, she has also completed two internships with Dupont Hospital and Leo United Methodist Preschool.

The daughter of Tony and Denise Bowers of Leo, Lindsey will attend the University of Indianapolis to pursue a degree in nursing. 

The IHSAA Executive Committee presented a $1,000 scholarship to Leo High School in the name of Lindsey Bowers.