Seniors Nicole Rice and Zach Vise were named the top ball players for the Boothbay Region High School softball and baseball teams, respectively, for the 2015 season. A post-season ceremony was held on June 12 at the softball field honoring the past season’s achievements.

Softball coach Heather O’Brien also presented Chyanne Rogers with the Coach’s Award and Cagney O’Brien with the Most improved Player award.

During her three-year tenure as coach, O’Brien said this was Rice’s best season as a Seahawk. Rice played multiple infield positions and was a solid hitter. Rice led the team with a .455 batting average. O’Brien credited her for being dedicated to the team both on and off the field.

“I’m giving this award for her passion of the game and her drive both on the diamond and in the classroom,” O’Brien said. “I applaud and appreciate her for her dedication.”

O’Brien described Coach’s Award winner Rogers as someone who gave a 100 percent effort.

“As a leftfielder she had no fear,” O’Brien said. “Chyanne would dive, fly and slide to make the catch. She has many great qualities which makes her a very coachable player.”

O’Brien said awarding the Most Improved Player Award to her daughter, Cagney, was a difficult decision. Cagney O’Brien split time between pitching and playing first base. Cagney’s batting, fielding, baserunning and pitching statistics dramatically improved this season, according to the coach.

Cagney O’Brien’s batting average improved from .269 last season to .433. This season, she pitched 23 innings, struck out 36, and walked 57. Last season, she pitched 49 innings, struck out 57, and walked 138.

“While it’s difficult to give this award to her because she is my daughter, my decision was based on her vast improvement in all the areas,” Coach O’Brien said.

Baseball coach Josh Garneau followed by presenting the baseball team awards.

He credited team MVP Zach Vise as being an outstanding player and leader on this year’s team.

“He was a quiet leader for us all year long. He played several positions for us. He pitched a ‘thousand’ innings and was our leading hitter. He is also going to try out for the University of Maine baseball team next fall, which I’m glad to hear,” Garneau said.

Coach’s Award winner Carter Babcock is described as as a key component to the team’s success in future seasons, according to Garneau. The sophomore batted third in the batting order, pitched and played shortstop this season.

“He is one of the best athletes in the program and he does everything a coach wants,” Garneau said. “I expect him to be one of the top players in the conference over the next couple of seasons.”

The Most Improved Award went to a player who slowly worked his way into the lineup: outfielder Noah Sherburne.

“He didn’t begin the season as a starter, but he finished with the fourth highest batting average (.250), Garneau said. “He can put the ball in play and has a lot of potential.”

The two teams ended the ceremony with a cookout and softball game.