Columbia’s Courtney Weilbacher put together a strong junior season for the Eagles. (John Spytek photo)

Excitement was in the air as a few local softball teams enjoyed success this spring. Leading the way were the amazing Dupo Tigers, who finished second in the state for Class 2A.

Columbia also enjoyed another great season.

It should come as no surprise, then, that many players from both of those teams are included on the Republic-Times All-Local Softball Team.

FIRST TEAM
Rachael Donald, Dupo – This senior catcher was named second team all-state by the Illinois Coaches Association for her strong season. Donald, who will play next season at SEMO, hit .489 with 41 RBIs and led the entire St. Louis area with 20 doubles.
Calli Wibbenmeyer, Columbia – Only a sophomore, Wibbenmeyer packed a punch on offense this season. She hit .453 with six home runs and 40 RBIs. The future looks bright.
Lexi Touchette, Columbia – This freshman adds to the hopes of a strong future for the Eagles. Touchette hit .446 with 32 RBIs this season.
Jessica Stansch, Dupo – Another senior leader for the Tigers, Stansch kept the St. Edward hitters at bay in the state semifinal game. She finished with a 21-6 record and 2.34 ERA this season.
Taylor Augustine, Waterloo – The junior shortstop hit a team-high .411 with 20 RBIs and 20 runs scored this spring.
Courtney Weilbacher, Columbia – Another key piece to the Eagles’ offense this season, Weilbacher hit .443 with 40 runs scored as a junior.
Taylor Esmon, Dupo – This junior third baseman came up with big hits and big plays on defense all season. She hit .460 with 26 runs scored for the Tigers.
Amber Mobbs, Dupo – Another senior for the Tigers, Mobbs hit a whopping .421 while playing strong outfield defense.
Kalli Farmer, Columbia – A senior leader on the Eagles, Farmer hit .436 with 38 RBIs as a catcher.
Emma Snodgrass, Waterloo – As a junior, Snodgrass came through with many highlights on offense and defense for the Bulldogs. She hit .364 with 25 runs scored and 10 stolen bases.

SECOND TEAM
Alyssa Strubberg, Dupo – Another senior leader for the state runner-up Tigers, Strubberg led things off for a potent offense. She hit .394 with 31 runs scored and 17 stolen bases.
Ashley Reeder, Waterloo – This junior infielder hit .340 for the Bulldogs.
Chelsea Hooker, Valmeyer – Only a freshman, Hooker provided some grit to a Pirates squad aiming for future success. She hit .407 with 12 stolen bases and 16 runs scored while playing well at catcher.
Keeler Van Bruesegen, Columbia – This sophomore posted a .343 average to boost the Eagles this spring.
Miranda Brown, Waterloo – Brown provided some power for Waterloo during her junior season, hitting .333 with five home runs.
Brina Rujawitz, Columbia – As a pitcher, Rujawitz posted a 17-3 mark with a 2.58 ERA for the Eagles.
Skylure Barlow, Dupo – This junior shortstop provided smooth defense and some offensive pop. Barlow hit .382 with three home runs for the Tigers.
Britney Edwards, Columbia – Only a sophomore, Edwards posted a .365 average for the Eagles.
Megan Brown, Dupo – This SIUC signee posted a .333 average and five home runs while adding solid relief pitching for the Tigers. Expect a strong senior campaign from her in 2017.
Erica Schaab, Waterloo – This junior outfielder came up with clutch hits for the Bulldogs. Schaab hit .340 with 28 RBIs.

HONORABLE MENTION
Kelly Metter (Columbia), Taylor Downen (Waterloo), Hannah Dengler (Gibault), Lexi Poepper (Gibault), Sophia Purcell (Gibault), Guin Kohnz (Valmeyer) Cierra Goldschmidt (Valmeyer), Mallory Meyer (Waterloo), Mikaela Kossina (Columbia), Chelsy Pena (Columbia), Katy Polacek (Waterloo), Savannah Maldonado (Dupo)