FIRST TEAM Pitchers

Katelyn Kemmetmueller Rogers, sr.

The Metro Player of the Year is equally adept at the plate, on the rubber or in the field. An intimidating hitter who batted .468. As a pitcher she went 13-1 with 172 K. Best position is SS, has the strongest arm in the state. Will play at Minnesota.

Carlie Brandt Le Sueur-Henderson, sr.

Considered the state's top pitcher, Brandt was 21-1 with a 0.35 ERA, 296 strikeouts and six no-hitters this season. Topped 1,000 career strikeouts in April. Named Gatorade Player of the Year for Minnesota. Headed to Minnesota.

Amber Elliott Anoka, jr.

Split time pitching with teammate Molly Swenson and led the Tornadoes with 11 victories. Hit over .500 with a .750 slugging percentage. One metro coach said Elliott means more to her team than "any other player in the state."

Ashley Mickschl Woodbury, jr.

Combining pitching prowess and batting bravado, Mickschl led the Royals to their second consecutive state tournament. Committed to Augustana, she is 14-2 on the rubber. Hit .429 with five homers, more than 25 RBI.

Hanna Mortenson Park of Cottage Grove, jr.

With sister Autumn, a senior, the Mortensons make up one of the state's top batteries. Hanna pitched the Wolfpack into the Class 4A state tournament, posting an 18-1 record. Hitting .460 with two home runs and 29 RBI.

Catchers

Jessica Bren Chanhassen, jr.

Two-time All-Metro selection is the most feared hitter in a lineup full of them. Hitting .520 with nine home runs, equaling her 2015 total. Tremendous arm behind the plate. Opponents simply do not run on her.

Carlie Brandt, Le Sueur-Henderson softball, sr., 2016

Anne Miller Bloomington Jefferson, jr.

Smooth and efficient, Miller has shut down most opponents' running games, allowing just one stolen base during the regular season. Hit .470 with two homers, 23 RBI and a .697 slugging percentage.

Emma Schifferle Maple Grove, sr.

Sitting out last year after transferring from Wayzata did not hurt her game. Allowed just two stolen bases in 22 games, hit .462 with two homers and 26 RBI. Signed with Division I Sioux Falls.

Position players

Taylor Bross Blaine, SS, jr.

A line-drive hitter with plenty of pop in her bat. Hit .523 (34-for-65) with three home runs and nine doubles. One Northwest Suburban Conference coach raved: "This kid can play, hits well and is a good leader."

Carly Esselman Farmington, CF, SR.

Ultimate leadoff hitter who has played in every game since her freshman year. Terrific speed and bat control. Hit .511 with a .558 on-base percentage, 26 runs scored, 12 stolen bases. Takes away base hits in CF. MSU Mankato-bound.

Lauren Oberle Eden Prairie, SS, SR.

She scored the game-winning goal in OT to give Eden Prairie the Class 2A girls' hockey title in February, but softball is her sport. Has a lively bat, enviable athleticism and a strong arm. Will play at Minnesota Duluth next year.

MaryBeth Olson Chanhassen, SS, jr.

Olson shared time on the rubber with two teammates but elevated her game with her bat. Hitting .481 with 25 RBI. Tied teammate Jessica Bren for the metro lead in home runs with nine. Verbally committed to UConn.

Jim Paulsen