BURLINGTON, IA - Perfect Game Softball Winter Blow-Out January 19 - 21, 2024. Twenty-four teams, over two age divisions, converged on the Fun City Turf in pursuit of championship. It may have been frigid temperatures outside, but inside the dome it was heating up with some fierce competition. Below are some of the weekend’s top performers from each age division.
14u
Bailey Engel (2027 Bloomington, IL) plays for the TBSA Wahoos ‘09, and was named our MVP in the 14u age group. She shows great athleticism both defensively and offensively. Bailey was a strong hitter for the Wahoos over the weekend. She has a strong presence at the plate and quick hands through the zone.
Jenna Sheehan (2027 Elgin, IL) from Silverhawks Dennison-Kweder was our 14u Most Valuable Pitcher for the weekend. She threw in the high 50’s this weekend and had a great mix of movement, working both sides of the plate. Jenna is building strong mechanics and speed.
Jillienne Pittman (2027 Valparaiso, IN) plays for the Indiana Gators Premier 09 Carden. She is a solid defender as well as a big power hitter. She has a strong build that gives her the power she needs at the plate. She has a strong stance and keeps her power behind the ball.
Maddie Schonhorst (2027 Huxley, IA) from Alliance Select Gold showed power both in the batter's box and from behind the plate. She has a strong stance that helps her explode through the zone. Her presence behind the plate helps her stand out. She has good fundamentals and mechanics to help keep her game sharp.
Alia Zimmerman (2027 Ankeny, IA) was playing on Alliance Select Gold. She threw consistent high 50’s. She had good accuracy of her pitches and she moved the ball well on both sides of the plate. She has smooth mechanics and powerful drive off the mound.
Sullivan Hall (2027 West Liberty, IA) plays for Southeast IA Allstars Purple. She is a great defender, but is equally good offensively. She has a strong controlled bat on the left-hand side. She utilized small ball and her speed on the bases all weekend.
Mei Shirokawa (2027 Elgin,IL) played with Silverhawks Dennison-Kweder. She is a strong presence behind the plate. She is fundamentally sound and is vocal on the field. Her pop-time stayed consistent, and she kept her throws low and accurate. Her footwork is smooth along with her follow through. She does an equally good job out at shortstop when not catching.
16u
Sophie Reed (2026 Altoona, IA) plays for the Barracuda Aces 16u Jackson. She was very dominant offensively last weekend. She has a strong compact stance with quick hands to help her explode through the zone. Defensively, she is a utility with good range in the field as well.
Morgan Calhoun (2025 Pleasant Prairie, WI) plays for VA Glory National Gagliardi and is an Illinois State commit. She has a solid glove on defense and good footwork. She is a versatile athlete. Morgan has a nice swing with a smooth compact load to generate all her energy through the zone.
Gianna Doyle (2026 Itasca, IL) plays for the Illinois Hawks. She is an aggressive batter at the plate. Gianna has very fast hands and anything she goes for is hit hard. She does not cheat herself out of a swing and she sees the ball well.
Ella Kraus (2026 Dubuque, IA) plays for the Lady Expos 16u. Ella had a good weekend at the plate. She has a slow and controlled load and good bat speed. While she stays down through the ball and keeps her front side in, she has consistent gap to gap power.
Kayley Reynolds (2025 Moline,IL) plays for Nebraska Gold 309. She did great things in the circle. She has a fluid motion from start to finish and has smooth mechanics. Kayley had great movement on every corner of the zone. She was consistent in the low 60’s with a change-up in the low 40’s and created lots of spin on the ball.
Skylar Peterson (2026 Muscatine, IA) is with the Monsters 16u Chick. Skylar has great pitching form and delivers consistency while in the circle. She was accurate and able to hit her spots very well. She threw in the low 60’s with an occasional off-speed. Sharp fluid motions make things look effortless.
Peyton Stineman (2027 Cedar Rapids,IA) plays with Kennedy High School. She throws in the high 50’s. Peyton has good movement on all corners of the plate. She utilizes a curveball that was breaking really well off the plate. She has a good build that helps her explode off the mound.
Jazzlynn Poole (2026 Davenport, IA) plays for the QC Firebirds 08 Red. She is an all around utility player. She has a solid foundation and quick transition in the field. Jazzlynn is also a solid hitter with a good base. She has a smooth load, fast hands and sees the ball well.