Softball  | Softball Showcase | 8/31/2022

PG Softball Scouting Showcase Series 1

Photo: Perfect Game
Brynn Ortlund (2023, Indianola, Iowa) was locked in this weekend for Iowa Gold - Hesseltine. Finishing with a .556 batting average, Ortlund has a feel for the barrel useful at the next level. Smooth and repeatable, her swing is reliable. Once on base, Ortlund stole seven bags, helping reach scoring position so her teammates could drive her in, which they did as she scored five runs. Her Iowa Gold teammate Kaleigh Friend (2023, West Des Moines, Iowa) also was a hitting machine, collecting six knocks on the weekend. Driving in five runs for her team, Friend was doing her part. She never seemed to be forcing the situation, as she looked for her pitch and did not miss it often. Both are uncommitted.





Texas Glory IAQC had a solid showing, as this team is full of talented players. Sydney Skarich (2024, Davenport, Iowa) is one of those players. Skarich has the ability to read the field and place the ball in a spot that the defense will struggle to throw her out. Skarich has excellent speed stealing 10 bases, a showcase-best by three bags. Whether she is slapping or swinging away, Skarich is a tough out. She scored 11 runs in five games played. Chevelle Kingsley (2025, Davenport, Iowa) is another talented player for Texas Glory. She uses all three aspects: movement, speed and location to be a very successful pitcher. Each pitch uses at least two of those aspects, resulting in swing-and-miss type stuff. In four innings of work, Kingsley recorded only one hit, no earned runs and struck out six, for a WHIP of 1.00. Both are uncommitted.

Addyson Alber (2023, Cedar Rapids, Iowa) for Nebraska Gold 319 Berning has a free and easy swing. Classic swing path generates effortless power for Alber. She regularly barreled the ball all weekend long. Alber collected seven hits during the showcase, including a home run. She also drove in seven runs and scored four more. Alber also conducts herself well on and off the field. Alber’s battery mate Emily Koranda (2025, Marion, Iowa) was a force in the circle. Using great spin, movement and location, Koranda froze hitters, confusing them about what just happened. Sitting in the low-60s consistently, Koranda was able to change speeds as well, leaving the hitter guessing. Recording six strikeouts in 5 1⁄3 innings with a WHIP of 1.31, Koranda will be someone to watch for years to come. Both are uncommitted.



Maddy McDermott (2023, Walcott, Iowa) does not waste any movement, as all goes towards her power swing. McDermott is free and easy with her hands, whipping the barrel through the zone generating solid pop. She hit a clutch home run with two outs in one of her games. McDermott drove in four and scored three more. Bright future ahead for Maddy. Uncommitted.

Olivia Dougherty (2024, Norwalk, Iowa) was nothing less than impressive. She had 13 innings pitched, a 1.60 ERA, a WHIP of 1.23, and 24 strikeouts for quite the weekend. Dougherty commands a mix of pitches ranging from the low-60s to high-40s. She is proving in each showcase she is next level ready. Uncommitted.

Iowa Outlaws Select 06-Andrew has some of the region's best girls playing for them. Whether it be offense or defense, this club will make you work for every run or out. Kiley Kindelspire (2025, Indianola, Iowa) makes opposing defenses work to get her out. Collecting eight hits for the showcase, Kindelspire is quick down the line and will do whatever the game dictates, like placing a bunt to drive in a run or stealing a base to get into scoring position. She scored nine runs and drove in four more, and swiped five bags. Her Outlaws teammate Sophia Bauman (2025, Grimes, Iowa) also came to play. Bauman uses a whip-like swing that loads the barrel with explosive power, driving the softball to all fields. She is selective at the plate, working four walks. Bauman knows the pitch she wants and can drive a mistake pitch a long way. Lily Hans (2024, Ankeny, Iowa) was an RBI machine, driving in seven and scoring two more. Hans is clutch with runners on, never trying to do more than the pitch allows. She hits the ball away from defenders and runs the plays out. Hans also fields well, showing great range at various positions.

The Outlaws are also dominant in the circle. Aubrey Lensmeyer (2025, Ankeny, Iowa) had some great outings this weekend. Lensmeyer uses a mix of pitches to all quadrants to gather strikeouts, 13 for the showcase. She executed her team's game plan pitch after pitch. One walk in 8 2/3 innings for a .69 WHIP was overpowering at times.



Caedence Risius (2024, Des Moines, Iowa) swings with intent every single time. Her lower half sets the power and timing for the swing, and her quick hands do the rest. She had 10 hits over the course of the showcase including two home runs, one of which hit a playground 40 feet beyond the outfield fence. No children were playing at the time. Five RBI and four runs scored rounded out her weekend. In the circle, Risius took care of business as well, striking out 13 in 11 1⁄3 innings of work. Uncommitted.

Lady Expos Houselog put on a show for all to watch. Free swinging, stellar defense and overpowering pitching were the themes for this team all weekend long. Lydia Ettema (2023, Peosta, Iowa) has a lot to like on both sides of the ball. With solid spin and speed from the circle, Ettema is fun to watch. At the plate, she shines even brighter. With a classic swing plan and path, Ettema unloads on the ball, and when she makes contact it is barreled up every time. Ettema had two home runs on the weekend with a showcase-leading 11 RBI and eight runs scored. She is committed to Depaul. Her Expos teammate Devin Simon (2023, Cascade, Iowa) was equally as dangerous at the plate. Simon has the ability to slowly load for timing and then uncoil for huge drives. Simon had a showcase-leading 11 hits, getting out at the plate only 3 times all weekend. She also scored 11 runs and drove in five more. Simon is an Iowa commit.

-Russ Wohler

Emily Watters (2023, Anamosa, Iowa) was dominating in the circle for Eastern Iowa Barracudas - Vantiger. The Missouri Western-committed left-handed pitcher tossed nine innings, recorded 16 strikeouts, gave up one walk and did not allow a run in leading her team to a 5-0 record. Watters, with a smooth, repeatable motion, showed a full complement of pitches with a plus screwball that resulted in several swings and misses, and if contact was made, it usually resulted in batters beating the ball into the ground. Watters topped out at 60 mph but has sat 62-63 at previous Perfect Game events. This young lady could walk on campus next fall and make an immediate impact.

Nebraska Gold 515-16u, playing in the 18u Division, had stellar contributions on both sides of the ball. RHP/IF Hailey Rosonke (2024, Eldora, Iowa) attacked pitches at the plate. Using a slightly open stance, getting back to parallel at toe touch, Rosonke has a quick trigger and keeps her hands inside the ball, allowing her to work foul line to foul line. Rosonke collected 9 hits in 11 plate appearances, with 5 doubles and a bomb to amass 13 RBI and score 6 runs. In the circle, Rosonke pitched to contact, recorded one strikeout per inning and showed good movement on her spin pitches, with a top velocity of 58 mph.

Her teammate, shortstop Jesslyn Stairs (2025 Des Moines, Iowa), passes the eye test. With an athletic build on her 5-foot-9 frame, Stairs can cover ground in the middle. She reads the ball off the bat early and gets herself into position to make plays. Once securing the ball, she displays a plus arm, making strong accurate throws from varied arm slots. At the plate, the left-handed hitting Stairs collected 6 hits with 4 doubles, scoring 7 times and knocking in 5 while hitting at a .462 clip. Stairs may have a tough decision to make in the future, when it comes time to pick which college offer to accept.

MIF Brynlee Slockett (2024, North Liberty, Iowa) is a pure hitter. Hitting leadoff for Eastern Iowa Barracudas-Gold, Slockett collected 10 hits with 2 doubles and 2 bombs. She knocked in 7, scored 6 times and swiped 5 bases. Slockett displays a smooth, fluid swing that appears effortless. Slockett utilizes her legs and hips better than most, generating bat speed that translates to power and the ability to drive the ball with authority. The bat is quick to the zone, long through the zone, with a high finish that lends itself to elevating the ball. A very workable swing that should play well at the next level.

Delaney Mathews (2026, Council Bluffs, Iowa) is a LHP for Iowa Blitz Gold-Satterlee and was one of the younger arms on display in the 18u Division. In her 6 2/3 innings of work, Mathews struck out five and walked none. With a top velocity of 55 mph, Mathew relied on off-speed, primarily a very nice drop that had batters swinging over the top of it or beating it into the ground. Mathews will be an interesting follow as she matures and adds muscle to her 5-foot-10 frame. Added strength and maturity will allow for higher spin rates on her movement pitches plus added velocity. Until that time, she will need to continue hitting spots and working the ball down to stay out of trouble.

-Dave Durbala

Softball | Softball Tournament | 4/22/2026

PG Softball Battle for the Belt

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Perfect Game Softball Battle for the Belt April 18-19, 2026 Des Moines, Iowa It was a cold and very windy weekend, but the girls still came out and put in their best efforts. If you wanted the place to see some of the state’s top talent, this was the tournament to be at. The 18u division was quite the slugfest! The Ankeny Centennial 18U -Kennedy team took down a tough Iowa Alliance Select-Benge team in the championship. Both teams had double digit homeruns on the weekend. In the 16u division the Iowa Aries CE Fire Black took control of the game from the start and never let up on the gas, taking down a solid Alliance Select- Harper team. 18U Division Kori Lincicum (2026 Ankeny, IA) of the Centennial Jaguars- Kennedy and Drake Bulldog softball commit was the weekends MVP Pitcher. Lincicum defeated a tough Alliance team in the championship game finishing with that game with 11...
Juco | Rankings | 4/22/2026

JUCO Top 25: April 22

Blaine Peterson
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Another week down and Johnson County continues their torrid run to remain at number 1. They're 46-2 on the season with multiple hitters over 25 bombs which is astonishing for the level as the Cavs have announced themselves as title favorites. Just a couple of weeks left heading down the stretch and our field remains mostly the same with the two additions of midwest powerhouse Iowa Western and the Warriors of East Central who will have a tough test Wednesday in Poplarville against fellow Mississippi adversary Pearl River in a mid-week double header.   Rk. School Record 1 Johnson County (KS) 46-2 2 Gaston (NC) 47-3 3 Walters State (TN) 42-10 4 McLennan (TX) 38-8 5 Southern Nevada (NV) 33-9 6 Chipola (FL) 39-9 7 Blinn (TX) 33-12 8 Florida Southwestern (FL) 32-13 9 Florence-Darlington (SC) 42-10 10 Pearl River (MS) 39-9 11 Cloud County (KS) 40-4 12 Cochise (AZ) 39-11 13 Midland (TX)...
College | Rankings | 4/22/2026

DII/DIII/NAIA Rankings Update: April 22

Nick Herfordt
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The final weeks of the college baseball regular season have a way of separating programs that are genuinely postseason-ready from those that have simply been good enough for long enough. Conference tournaments loom, selection committees are paying close attention, and every game on the schedule carries weight that it simply didn't in February. This week's action, combined with the latest Perfect Game Top 25, paints a picture of a college baseball landscape where the top is clearly defined — and where the middle is a genuine battle. What follows is a cross-level look at teams across the NAIA, NCAA Division II, and NCAA Division III ranks who find themselves in that uncomfortable space: not safely in, not clearly out, but firmly on the bubble. Some have built compelling résumés that should hold up under scrutiny. Others have excellent records against soft competition...
High School | Rankings | 4/21/2026

High School Top 50 Update: April 21

Tyler Russo
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Another few weeks have wrapped up this high school season as we’re flying through the spring and most southern states are starting playoffs right around the corner. With the end of the regular season, we have another National Top 50 update to bring to you, along with this will be the start of the weekly editions of our National Top 50. We have a change at the top of the rankings as Venice (FL) takes over the top spot after just dominating their competition in the state of Florida this year. Orange Lutheran (CA) drops one spot to No. 2 after dropping a series but still holds firm at No. 2 in the country. Barbe (LA) has continued to dominate and holds onto the No. 3 spot while Tomball (TX) skyrockets in this update to No. 4 in the country, currently holding an incredible 30-0-1 record. The rest of the top-10 is names we’ve become accustomed to see with Aledo (TX) at No. 5, IMG...
Tournaments | Story | 4/21/2026

Southeast Super NIT #2 Scout Notes

Jason Phillips
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Chase Jelks (‘30 GA)- with a long double to deep CF. Huge day from the primary SS, 5-for-6 w/ 4 doubles & 6 RBI. #SESuperNIT @TheDreamBall @PG_Georgia https://t.co/biFSzXCrUt pic.twitter.com/HCQMduedb5 — Perfect Game Youth (@PGYouthBB) April 20, 2026 Chase Jelks (’30, Atlanta, Ga.)- the left-handed hitting Jelks was all over the barrel on Sunday in a pair of games for The Dream 14U Black. He finished the day with five hits in six at-bats which included four doubles and six runs batted in. His two doubles and four runs batted in played a big part in the Gold Playoffs Round 1 victory over the talented BPA squad out of California. He backed up that performance with three more hits in a quarterfinal’s loss to the East Cobb Astros 14U Orange to finish the tournament with a .600 batting average and 1.636 on-base plus slugging percentage. A primary utility infielder,...
PG Select Baseball Festival | General | 4/21/2026

Select Festival Dates/Locations Announced

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    667 Progress Way | Sanford, FL 32771 | 319-298-2923  www.perfectgame.org | facebook.com/perfectgameusa | @PerfectGameUSA      FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE    PERFECT GAME ANNOUNCES DATES AND VENUES FOR   2026 SLATE OF SELECT FESTIVALS    Sanford, Florida (Tuesday, April 21, 2026) - Perfect Game, the world’s largest youth baseball and softball platform and scouting service, today announced dates and venues for its 2026 Select Festivals, a premiere series of invitation-only events showcasing many of the nation’s top young prospects at the 11U, 12U, 13U and 14U levels.    The Select Festivals provide elite players with a unique opportunity to compete alongside and against the best talent in their age group while experiencing a...
College | Story | 4/21/2026

College Players of the Week: April 21

Vincent Cervino
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April 21st Perfect Game/Player of the Week:  Tague Davis, IF, Louisville  The Louisville Cardinals (22-18) haven’t been able to get themselves in much of a groove this spring, their longest winning streak is 5-games, and they are (4-6) in their last 10-games.  The issue has not been the offense as the Cardinals are averaging over 8-runs per game and Tague Davis is leading the club in virtually every offensive category.  His calling card is his 70-grade power and that was on display last weekend in their series against Cal.  In the three-game series, Davis went 7 for 12, scoring 4 runs, launching 5 home runs and collected 7 RBIs.  The 6-4/220 lefthanded hitter from West Chester, PA has a pure stroke, is one of the premier power hitters in the nation and has significantly improved his plate discipline from a year ago.  After his big weekend, he is...
Press Release | Press Release | 4/20/2026

PG & EventConnect Extend Collaboration

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    667 Progress Way | Sanford, FL 32771 | 319-298-2923  www.perfectgame.org | facebook.com/perfectgameusa | @PerfectGameUSA      FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE    PERFECT GAME AND EVENTCONNECT EXTEND COLLABORATION FOCUSED ON SCALE, SERVICE AND EXPERIENCE    Sanford, Florida (Monday, April 20, 2026) - Perfect Game, the world’s largest youth baseball and softball platform and scouting service, today announced the renewal and expansion of its long-standing housing and technology partnership with EventConnect, reaffirming a shared commitment to innovation, scale and best-in-class experiences for athletes, families and event operators across North America.    The renewed multi-year agreement extends a successful partnership that has helped Perfect Game...
College | Rankings | 4/20/2026

College Top 25: April 20

Vincent Cervino
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As the old saying goes, “all good things must come to an end” and that was the case last Tuesday when UCLA (36-3) saw their 27-game win streak come to an end in a shutout loss to UCSB.  However, the No. 1 team in the land still has their 21-game winning streak in Big Ten to protect, as they have started off league play without a single blemish.  The Bruins will remain atop our poll this week and their historical start to the season roll on.  The UNC Tarheels (33-7-1) move up to No. 2 this week after they made their biggest statement of the year by taking the weekend series from now No. 4 Georgia Tech (32-7).  No. 3 Texas (30-8) and No. 5 Georgia (32-9) both went (3-1) on the week and won their SEC series to stay in contention for the regular season title.  Florida State (28-11) had a nice bounce back (4-0) week and re-enter the Top 10 at No. 8 this...
College | Story | 4/16/2026

Coppy's Corner: April 16 POY Deep Dive

John Coppolella
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Each week I huddle with Vinnie Cervino and Craig Cozart  to discuss Top-25 rankings and Players of the Week. In Coppy’s Corner, I dive deeper into these Players of the Week, providing analysis from 20+ years working in baseball front offices at the highest level.   Player of the Week: Jaquae Stewart – Texas State University  If you squint a little bit, you can see some Josh Naylor or Dominic Smith in Jaquae Stewart, with a stout build like a more powerful version of the teacup from the children’s song. Lately, the Sun Belt Conference has been child’s play for Stewart as he has been on fire showing an improved hit approach and power that tracks more with his 2024 performance at Northwest Florida State College than with his 2025 experience at the University of Texas. It’s tough for any player to jump from a JUCO in Florida to the big stage...
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