Iola High’s Kailey Schinstock and Reece Murry led a remarkable resurgence on the softball diamond this season.
After Iola started the year 0-6, the Fillies proceeded to reel off 11 wins in their final 13 games before bowing out in the Class 4A Regional Playoffs.
The stellar play netted both first-team All-Pioneer League honors.
Meanwhile, junior third baseman Jenna Curry earned second-team honors.
Schinstock, a senior, has firmly etched her name in the annals of IHS softball.
She owns Iola’s single-season records for batting average (.537), hits (36) and doubles (10.)
Schinstock topped Jenna Sigg’s .522 batting mark from 2007.
“Kailey had a great senior season,” Iola head coach Chris Weide said. “We are very proud of her and are excited to see what she can do in her future at Allen.”
Schinstock has signed to play softball next season with the Allen Community College Red Devils.
IT’S NO coincidence Iola’s play improved significantly after Murry returned to the lineup after missing the start of the season with an injury.
She shined both from the pitching circle and at first base.
Murry, a junior, went 6-2 on the year with a sparkling ERA of 1.11, while striking out 96 batters in 63 innings.
When not pitching, Murry handled first base duties for the Fillies.
She also racked up a .328 batting average.
“If we can tighten up the defense next season, we could have a very good softball team and rack up some wins,” Weide said.
