June 11, 2016
Mater Dei Takes Class 2A Softball Title
Evansville Mater Dei’s score in the bottom of the second was all the Wildcats needed to claim the 2A crown, holding off a seasoned Boone Grove squad. The championship is the first in the sport for Mater Dei, in their second state finals appearance (1999, 2016). This was the second state finals appearance in as many years for Boone Grove; the Wolves finished as state runner-up to North Central (Farmersburg) in 2015.
Mater Dei threatened to score in the first inning, leaving three on base. After quickly retiring the Wolves in the top of the second, Mater Dei came in swinging at the bottom of the inning. Junior Arley Will reached on a Boone Grove throwing error and advanced to second on a bunt placed by senior Megan Weinzapfel. Sophomore Kat Muellar was hit by a pitch, loading the bases for Mater Dei and providing an invitation for junior Grace McCann to knock in Will.
Boone Grove struggled to gain momentum offensively, mustering two hits off Mater Dei ace Emily Goodin (junior). Goodin chalked up 11 strikeouts in the win, bringing her year-end record to 21-4.
First-year head coach Cori Wildeman and the Wildcats finished their state championship season at 27-5. Ron Saunders, at the helm for Boone Gove, led the Wolves to a 25-3 finish.
Sarah Brown of Boone Grove Wins Class 2A Mental Attitude Award
Members of the IHSAA Executive Committee announced Sarah Brown of Boone Grove High School as the winner of this year’s Mental Attitude Award in Class 2A Softball.
An all-around leader at Boone Grove, Sarah was a six-time captain as a member of the softball, basketball, and soccer teams. She has earned several awards for her athletic achievements, with the crown jewel being named an All-State player in 2016 for Class 2A. Brown served as vice-president of her senior class, and was a member of the National Honor Society, Student Council, Key Club, and Spanish Club. Sarah volunteers for the "I Can Bike Foundation" and is also a middle school softball coach.
The daughter of Gordon and Wendy Brown of Valparaiso, Sarah plans to attend the Valparaiso University to study Business Management.
Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance presented a $1,000 scholarship to Boone Grove High School in the name of Sarah Brown.