Witt-Birn’s Fraaza named to all-state honorable mention softball team

Four area high school players earned honors from the Wisconsin Fastpitch Softball Coaches Association recently.

Wittenberg-Birnamwood seniors Abi Fraaza and Jasmin Duranceau, Shawano junior Margo Gull and Bonduel freshman Hailee Thompson were the players recognized for their strong play this spring.

Fraaza earned a pair of honors, the highest being a spot on the all-state honorable mention team in the small schools classification (Division 3-5). The Chargers’ shortstop was a first-team player on the District 2 small school list.

“It was very special to be nominated for that and to be able to finally play again with having to take a season off,” said Fraaza. “It was so much fun making it to sectional finals with my teammates, and I couldn’t have asked for a better year.”

Fraaza, who was also the Player of the Year in the Central Wisconsin Conference-East Division, earned the honors after posting a .417 batting average for the season. Nine of her 20 hits went for extra bases, and she drove in 17 runs.

The senior also scored 22 runs and stole 13 bases. Adding in nine walks, she had an on-base percentage of .517.

Duranceau landed on the District 2 honorable mention list in her final high school season.

Duranceau was the Chargers’ primary pitcher, posting a 2.26 earned run average for the season. She struck out 42 batters and walked just eight hitters. At the plate, the senior drove in 10 runs on 12 hits.

“It’s a huge honor, and it feels amazing to be recognized for my hard work,” said Duranceau. “It was a great season, and I couldn’t have accomplished this without my teammates and coaches.”

Gull made the first team on the District 2 large school list.

Gull posted a .400 batting average in her junior season, also scoring 17 runs.

The Shawano outfielder stole 14 bases and also recorded 11 RBIs.

“It is very special to me, earning a spot on the first team in the district. It really makes me feel good knowing that the hard work I put in is also being noticed by others,” said Gull. “Earning this makes me excited for my senior softball season and to keep putting in the hard work which will pay off.”

Thompson joined Duranceau on the District 2 honorable mention list.

The Bonduel freshman finished the season with a .407 batting average. She played shortstop for the Bears.

“I feel like it definitely shows that all the hard work you put in will result in great things,” said Thompson of her honor.

“Teammates, coaches and family helped paved the way for me to reach this goal. It helps me strive to want to continue to grow and get a higher achievement next year and so forth. I definitely wouldn’t have been able to get this award without God by my side allowing me to play this amazing sport!”

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