The Great Bend High School softball team finished the 2011 spring season with a 17-5 record.
That was in no small part due to a pair of sisters who contributed in the field and at the plate — one is going on to play in college while the other will return next season as a second-team Class 5A all-state selection by the Kansas Softball Coaches Association.
Abby Morrison, who graduated this year and has already signed a letter of intent to play softball for Fort Hays State University, was one of two starting pitchers for Great Bend. Her younger sister, Stephanie Morrison, played third base and was the lead-off hitter for the Lady Panthers during her sophomore campaign.
“Abby and Stephanie love the game of softball, therefore they were always willing to help the team in whatever way they could,” GBHS head coach Carrie Minton said. “They both brought a positive attitude and a lot of excitement to the team as well. Abby and Stephanie are not only sisters, but they are also great friends.
‘They absolutely loved having the opportunity to compete together.”
As the lead-off hitter, Stephanie Morrison turned in a batting average of .554, tying a school record.
“She is a great infielder who was willing to step in and help our team wherever she could,” Minton said. “As for her bat, she was our lead-off hitter all year and did a tremendous job of finding a way to get on base. Her batting average this season was .554, which ties the school record held by Kourtney Friess.”
Stephanie Morrison had 15 runs batted in, and totaled 31 hits. She scored 25 runs scored, and finished with 25 singles, including for extra bases.
Her prowess at the plate led her to be the only Great Bend player on the Class 5A all-state team.
Stephanie Morrison was selected for the 5A second team as an infielder, one of three players from the Western Athletic Conference to make the team. The others are Makenzie Flaska and Katelyn Schumacher, both of Hays, who, like the Morrisons, were all-conference selections last season.
“I think it was a great honor for Stephanie to be named to the all-state team, but it was something that she definitely earned,” Minton said. “I know that Stephanie will continue to improve and we look forward to having her back on the field for the next two years.”
Abby Morrison was 8-3 as a starting pitcher. She totaled 66 strikeouts.
From the batter’s box, she had a .435 average with 30 hits, including three home runs and five doubles.
Now, Abby Morrison is taking her talents to Hays.
“I think that Abby would be a great fit anywhere she went,” Minton said. “She has a great work ethic, a tremendous love for the game and is always looking to make herself better. I think that Fort Hays State is very fortunate to add Abby to their roster.”