Graduation ceremonies are happening again this month all over this great nation of ours.

And with another Western Big 6 Conference softball race in the books, too, it's time to observe another May tradition.

A reminder that these "Best of the Big 6" softball awards are merely one beat writer's opinion, with input from some fellow staffers who have seen league action this season.

- Hitter of the Year: Jordan de los Reyes, Moline. The most dangerous hitter in the league's most potent lineup. Already committed to Illinois State, the junior finished tied for the Big 6 lead in hits (18) and RBIs (18) despite some trying to pitch around Moline's cleanup hitter. The granddaughter of Moline coaching legend Bob Seitz also led the league in doubles (6), tied for second in home runs (4) and shared fourth in batting average (.486). Special mention to United Township's Lizzy Goebel (.345, league-best 5 homers, Big 6-tying 18 RBIs) and Alleman's Chasney Jenkins (league-leading .586, 11 RBIs).

- Pitcher of the Year: Brooke Prior, UT. The junior was a hard-luck 3-2 (with a save) in Big 6 action despite leading the league in earned run average (1.19) and WHIP (1.047 walks-plus-hits per inning pitched). State title-winning Moline coach Mark Gerlach offered the best endorsement last week, though, during a Big 6 doubleheader split with the Panthers. Gerlach said Prior is the sort of state tournament-quality pitcher the Maroons need to overcome this postseason if they hope to defend their Class 4A state title.

- Ironman of the Year: Prior. The Panthers eschewed the normal practice of inserting a courtesy runner for the pitcher because their leadoff batter is such an asset on the bases. Besides leading the Big 6 in runs scored (17), the junior ranked in the Top 10 in hits (14), doubles (4) and batting average (.359). Special mention to Alleman's Avery Nelson, who threw more Big 6 innings than anybody else (48) plus was a middle-of-the-lineup hitter for the Pioneers.

- Defender of the Year: Hayley Marlier, Moline. Unparalleled work behind the plate is why the senior catcher is headed to Illinois State this fall. She also plays a mean right field when de los Reyes spells her behind the dish. Special mention to their senior teammates Brittny Drish (shortstop) and Emily Rasche (left field), who are the league's best in the infield and outfield, respectively, at taking away hits.

- Comeback Player of the Year: Nelson. Bounced back from offseason surgery to power the Pioneers on the mound (6-2, 2.19 ERA) and at the plate (.333, 6 RBIs). Special mention to Jamie VanWatermuelen, who missed all of last season because of knee surgery but battled back to be a regular contributor this spring for UT. Moline's de los Reyes (foot) and Kelcy Reed (back; 3-0, 2.01 ERA) also overcame nagging early season injuries.

- Newcomer of the Year: Reed and Alaina Hofmann, Moline. Stepped up from last season's sophomore team together to answer the preseason questions about the pitching staff for the defending state champs. With Hofmann leading the league with 30 strikeouts, the duo combined to post a 7-0 mark and 2.96 ERA in 45 innings of work. Special mention to Rock Island sophomore Ashlyn Mumma, who ranked among the league leaders in hits (16) and batting average (.410).

- Rookie of the Year: Heather Johnson, UT. The only freshman in a regular pitching role ranked among the Big 6 leaders in ERA (1.95), strikeouts (24) and innings pitched (28.2). A league-best 5-0 record barely trumped a pair of accomplished ninth-grade hitters, though. Alleman's Izzy Anderson (.361, 2 homers, 16 RBIs) and Rocky's Courtney Pearson (.417, 15 hits) finished among the league leaders, too.

- Coach of the Year: Gerlach. To the victor goes the spoils I always say in this category, and Moline kept UT from a title three-peat this season.

- Best in class: Senior: Drish; Junior: de los Reyes; Sophomores: Anna Wetherell, Alleman, over Hailey Feldhahn, Rocky; Freshman: Johnson by an eyelash.

- Ultimate lineup: Jenkins (OF); Rasche (OF); Drish (SS), de los Reyes (1B); Charlotte Park, UT (C); Goebel (OF); Jordan Myers, Moline (DH); Feldhahn (moving from SS to 3B); Erin Walker (moving from SS to 2B); Prior (P). Utility players: Wetherell and Anderson. Pinch-hitter: Lexy VandeMoortel, Alleman. Pinch-runner: Kaitlyn Knary, Moline. Bullpen: Nelson, Reed, Johnson.

- Game of the Year: Moline rallying from a 2-1, fifth-inning deficit in Game 1 of the UT doubleheader, which decided the Big 6 race head-to-head in the league's final weekend. However, the weekend before that, Alleman held off a Panthers' comeback in an opening 7-5 victory to open the door to a decisive showdown between the perennial powers. Most notably, Wetherell made a running catch at the left field wall to take away an RBI and extra bases from Erin Walker to stop a sixth-inning uprising.


Big 6 beat writer Steve Tappa can be reached at (309) 757-4967 or tappa@qconline.com.