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Emanuel
Named Northland Sports Online Player of The Year

Picking a Player of the Year in any sport is difficult and this softball season was no exception. However, when the numbers are crunched it becomes obvious that Erin Emanuel, of Esko, was well-deserving of the honor this season.

Emanuel was a terror at the plate as she finished with an impressive .451 batting average, an on base percentage of .560 and a slugging percentage of .535. In 71 at bats the senior catcher scored an impressive 34 runs and she also stole 22 bases.

As a three year starter Emanuel finished with an impressive career batting average of .411. She was also named All-Conference in the Polar League the past two seasons, she was named All-Section in Section 7AA the past two seasons and this year Emanuel was also named as Honorable Mention the All-State Team. To top things off Emanuel has been selected to play in the Northland All-Star Game.

Emanuel was the catalyst for the Eskomos offense as the number two hitter behind Kortney Lindberg. With an uncanny ability to slap hit, or beat out a bunt, Emanuel was a difficult out for defenses around the area. Once she reached base Emanuel became a terror on the base paths and would often push rival teams into throwing the ball around and create havoc as she pressed defenses into making plays that were made more difficult because of her speed.

From her catching position Emanuel was also a solid receiver in handling senior left-handed pitcher Kelsey Saralampi.

Northland Sports Online would like to wish Erin well as she moves on to the next step in her career and life.

Northland Sports Online 2009 All-Area
Softball Team