2024 Players to Watch: Mt. Hood Conference softball

Published 2:46 pm Tuesday, March 19, 2024

It is a fun time to be a local softball fan, with all four local 6A squads sporting talented players across all positions.

From reigning players of the year; speedsters around the bases; home run specialists; and ace pitchers; here are the softball players from Barlow, Gresham, Sandy and Reynolds to watch for the 2024 season:

Peyton Trickel, junior catcher, Barlow

The reigning Mt. Hood Conference softball player of the year is the spear tip for a talented group of Bruins. A jack-of-all trades, she stars as both a catcher and throwing from the circle — Trickel got an honorable mention award for her pitching. She is a technical hitter, dropping the ball into open spaces, and has a knack for knowing when to showcase a burst of speed for a steal.

Laterra Foster-Frison, junior shortstop, Gresham

Perhaps the best athlete in the conference, opposing batters will quickly learn you can’t sneak any hits past the returning first-team star. And when she steps up to the plate, her swing is just as impressive. The type of player who prioritizes making contact, getting on base, and then causing headaches for the opposing pitcher with her penchant for stealing base after base.

Payton Ruehrdanz, sophomore designated player/utility, Sandy

After turning heads as a freshman — she earned a second-team nod — Ruehrdanz is ready to take the leap as one of the top talents in the region. She is a wicked hitter, and is someone who improves upon her game daily. Expect to not only see a bump from last season, but an even stronger finish as the Pioneers push for playoffs.

Katelyn Jensen, junior infielder, Reynolds

The lone returning all-leaguer for the Raiders, after earning an honorable mention nod last year, Jensen will be key in helping onboard new teammates for a Reynolds squad seeking that identity. She is a talented batter and fielder, and should carve out more individual accolades.

Morgan Calcagno, senior infielder, Barlow

One of those players who is always in the right spot at the right time. Calcagno is a nightmare for opposing hitters as she seems to make those big plays that materializes an out from thin air. The returning first-team all-league player is also a talented hitter, both with the deft touch to drop one into open grass or just uncork a booming homerun.

Ally Downing, senior centerfielder, Gresham

A talented, consistent presence for the Gophers, she is focused on one more year before setting off to play collegiately for Linfield. The first-team all-leaguer epitomizes what makes Gresham so dangerous this season: a veteran group who have spent years battling within the talented Mt. Hood Conference. The Gophers have their eyes set on a league title, and Downing will be a big reason why.

Kendall Wickizer, junior catcher, Sandy

One of the elite catchers in the conference, Wickizer showcases the high-level ball the Pioneers have faced and played in recent years. The honorable mention recipient from last year spurs a shared mindset in Sandy: win and not give up on any plays.

Leah Emmarson, senior outfielder, Barlow Pehtyn Hart, sophomore outfielder, Barlow

A defensive duo that is the heart and soul for Barlow, the pair are quick enough to chase down any pop-ups and know just where to sling the ball to stymie opposing runners. Each earned first-team honors last year, and showcase the youth movement that continues to have Barlow push for league titles and playoff wins.

Kendall Gardenhire, senior first baseman, Gresham

Another veteran leader for the Gophers and the epitome of a coaches kid — hardworking and vocal, with those softball smarts. The second-team all-leaguer is one of the defensive anchors for Gresham.

Charlie Renner, junior pitcher, Barlow

Sometimes it’s all about how fast you can throw from the circle, and when Renner gets going even the best are left swinging at air. She leads a talented Bruins bullpen, and provides a leadership voice that keeps her defense locked in and mistake free.

Ruby Marak, sophomore pitcher, Sandy

Another young star for the Pioneers, Marak exudes calm within the circle. She is a methodical pitcher, carving up opposing hitters and willing to take some risks because of the field support she had behind her. She feasts on the little mistakes opponents make.

Maddy Sagapulotele, sophomore outfielder, Gresham

A new face for the Gophers, she joins the squad after starring in The Dalles last year. A big bat, she led 4A softball in homeruns with 18, and she has already hit the ground running for her new squad — she notched a trio of home runs in an early season game against Roseburg.

Taylor Donohue, junior, Sandy

A transfer from Corbett, she moved to Sandy to focus on playing softball. An athlete, Donohue brings a willingness to learn, strong swing, and reliable base running. She is one of those players who fights for extra bases finds ways to score.