BRODHEAD — Division 3 state champions Brodhead had four players receive Rock Valley All-Conference recognition, led by ace Mckenna Young who was named the conference Player of the Year.

Young, a South Dakota commit, posted a 17-1 record in the circle. The senior gave up just three earned runs in 102 2/3 innings pitched for a miniscule 0.20 ERA. She allowed just 22 free passes while striking out 218 batters. At the plate, Young led Brodhead with 11 doubles, eight home runs and 32 RBIs. She recorded a .440 batting average with a .745 slugging percentage. 

No. 2 pitcher Ava Risum also made First-Team All-Conference. In the circle, she posted a 10-1 record with a 0.42 ERA. In 84 innings pitched, Risum struck out 153 batters and allowed just six to reach base via walk or hit batter. Hitting leadoff, she scored 28 runs, tallied 32 hits and drew a team-best 14 walks. She was one of five hitters to hit over .300 with a .344 batting average.

Third baseman Sophia Leitzen was named to the All-Conference First Team. The junior led the team in runs (36), hits (44), triples (3) and stolen bases (11). Catcher Taetum Hoesly was the fourth First-Team All-Conference selection. The senior tallied 33 hits with eight doubles and four home runs for a .580 slugging percentage. Behind the plate, she recorded 320 putouts with just three errors for a .991 fielding percentage.

Senior Alexis Kammerer and junior Jaelyn Hilliard were named to the Honorable Mention team. Kammerer led the team with 10 sacrifices while driving in 18 runs. Similarly, Hilliard had seven sacrifices with 11 RBIs. 

Head coach Steve Krupke coached Brodhead to a 17-1 conference record, earning the Rock Valley Conference title. Overall, the Cardinals went 27-2 with a regional, section and state championship. In two trips to state, Krupke has brought home the gold ball both times.