League champion Humboldt dominates North Central All-Conference softball team
Humboldt's North Central All-Conference picks: top row (l-r): Ellie Jacobson, Mady Lange, Addie Thompson and Kendal Clark. Bottom row: Jori Hajek, Carlie Thompson, Claire Varangkounh and Reagan Lee.
By Phil Monson
Humboldt has been a dominant force in North Central Conference softball for over 20 years and its hold on power was evident again during the shortened 2020 season.
The recently announced all-conference team featured five Wildcat players on the first-team alone, four of which were unanimous picks.
In addition, Humboldt had two players chosen second-team and another selected to third-team.
It was a fitting tribute to a Wildcat squad that posted an overall record of 20-3, 7-0 and champions of the NCC for the fifth consecutive year.
“We speak every year on how individual honors are a reflection of your team achievements. An individual honor like that shows the success your team has had,” Humboldt’s 24-year head coach Doug Van Pelt said.
“Obviously, when you run the table in the North Central Conference, you are the best team in the league and our kids are listed all throughout the all-conference team and very well should be,” Van Pelt said. “We had kids who dominated.”
“This year with only seven games, it is quite an honor to attract that recognition and we had the opportunity to go out and defend our league title for the fifth straight year,” Van Pelt said.
First-team selections for the Wildcats include senior pitcher Ellie Jacobson, senior catcher Mady Lange, junior first baseman Kendal Clark, senior centerfielder Carlie Thompson and junior shortstop Jori Hajek.
Second-team picks include freshman second baseman Addie Thompson and senior rightfielder Claire Varangkounh. Reagan Lee, who exited the eighth grade last spring, was named third-team from her third base position.
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