After the Perryville softball team earned its best result in school history it only makes sense that the Lady Pirates should garner some of the top recognitions.
That is exactly what happened this year.
Alyson Stortz and Kylee Stortz were both named second team all-state when the teams were recently released.
The honors continue a trend for the Pirates program that had two all-state players last season (Ann-Marie Simpson and Brittanie Stewart)
“It’s amazing,” Perryville softball coach Lilly Pecaut said. “The Perryville program had never made it to the final four in school history before this year. To have the girls receive that honor is amazing. They completely deserve it.”
Junior pitcher Alyson Stortz was the bonafide ace of the pitching staff of Perryville this year as she pitched every inning during the Pirates postseason run and recorded more than 200 strikeouts and hit for more than a .400 average. Alyson Stortz led the Pirates in strikeouts with 91 as a sophomore last season.
“Her mentality is definitely what made Alyson such a great pitcher,” Pecaut said. “Sure she can execute her pitches and throws really hard, but she can pitch through just about anything.”
That was evident when the Pirates hung on for a 7-6 victory in the district championship game. With Perryville ahead 6-0, Doniphan sent nine batters to the plate in the seventh and scored six runs as the rather sure-gloved Perryville defense faltered with two errors in the outfield to send the game into extra innings.
“Anything could be going on in the game and Alyson will be ready to throw her best on the next pitch,” Pecaut said.
Sophomore catcher Kylee Stortz, and sister to Alyson, was a leader behind the plate for the Pirates all year and hit over ,400 in 2021.
“I think the bond that they have enables them to have trust between them,” Pecaut said. “Kylee is young and fearless. She’s not afraid to throw the ball and has been constantly working on her arm. She has done a great job of keeping the runners that do reach base at bay. Alyson and the infielders didn’t have to worry too much about runners this year.”
The Stortzs will continue to be the battery for the Pirates in 2021 and Pecaut hopes they will continue to improve.
“They play a lot of summer softball so I see them coming back even stronger and better, which would be amazing,” Pecaut said. “If I could get Alyson to rub off on some of these younger girls, especially the pitchers, that would be great as we continue to build the program.”
