Lady Bison earn All-Conference softball honors

     Three members of the 2018 North Iowa High School softball team are among this year’s All-Conference honorees in the Top of Iowa Conference. Senior Mackenzie Bengtson was named to the Second Team All-Conference, sophomore Brenna Paulson was named to the Third Team All-Conference, and junior Madison Hassebroek received All-Conference Honorable Mention.

     Bengtson was previously an All-Conference selection last season, and she followed up last year with similar stats this season. Once again, she led the team in batting average (.469), slugging percentage (.633), on base percentage (.509), hits (23), and doubles (8).

     Paulson was the Lady Bison’s top pitcher this season, as she started 18 games. “Brenna pitched well this season, and I heard a lot of good things from coaches about her after games. This recognition solidifies that ," said Lady Bison Head Coach Chad Hinders. "She had a 4-12 conference record this year, but a couple different bounces of the ball or plays and that record could look a little different."

     Hassebroek stepped in as catcher for the Lady Bison this season. “Madison was probably the most improved player on our team this year,” said Hinders. “She was solid behind the plate. I was worried about teams stealing on us at will, but Madison showed that she had a competent arm to keep runners at first. Madison batted .333 on the season, with only three strikeouts in 39 plate appearances.”