By Cort Reynolds

Four Bluffton softball players received All-Northwest Conference honors in voting conducted by the league coaches recently.

Slugging senior outfielder Macy Schaadt and sophomore pitching ace Peyton Worcester earned first team All-NWC notice.

Schaadt led the Pirates in hitting and Worcester topped the squad in innings pitched, wins and strikeouts while also hitting well.

Pirate junior shortstop Greta Myers, one of the team’s top hitters and fielders, was named second team all-league. 

Senior catcher Karleigh Davis earned honorable mention all-league status.

Young and improved Bluffton finished in a three-way tie for second place with Crestview and Delphos Jefferson in the eight-team league at 4-3. 

Powerhouse Lincolnview won the league title outright by three games with a 7-0 record. 

Slugging Lancer junior catcher Lainey Spear edged sophomore teammate pitching ace Ila Hughes for NWC Player of the Year honors.

Lancer Eric Schwab was named NWC Coach of the Year by his peers.

2026 NWC SOFTBALL ALL-CONFERENCE TEAMS

NWC Player of the Year: Lainey Spear – Senior – Lincolnview
NWC Coach of the Year: Eric Schwab – Lincolnview

1st Team
Lainey Spear – Sr – Lincolnview
Ila Hughes – So – Lincolnview
Carolyn Mueller – Sr – Delphos Jefferson
Dakota Thornell – Sr – Crestview
Erianne Heffner – Sr – Columbus Grove
Harper Friesner – So – Allen East
Emme Stevens – Fr – Lincolnview
Corie Schnieders – Fr – Lima Central Catholic
Elise Litsey – Jr – Spencerville
Macy Schaadt – Sr – Bluffton
Peyton Worcester – So – Bluffton
Ansley Schwab – Fr – Lincolnview

2nd Team
Claire Brinkman – Jr – Delphos Jefferson
Kaci Gregory – Jr – Crestview
Dakota Dunn – Sr – Columbus Grove
Bronwyn Schaefer – Sr – Allen East
Sondra Clum – Sr – Allen East
Hailey Hittle – Sr – Spencerville
Violet Dirr – Sr – Crestview
Greta Myers – Jr – Bluffton
Bella Hire – Fr – Lincolnview
Carolina Kill – Sr – Lima Central Catholic

Honorable Mention
Ky Eberle – Jr – Delphos Jefferson
Avery Hoaglin – Fr – Lincolnview
Gabriella King – Jr – Spencerville
Kassidy Hammons – Jr – Lincolnview
Sophia Hurley – Sr – Lima Central Catholic
Madie Miller – Jr – Allen East
Alexis Post – So – Spencerville
Karleigh Davis – Sr – Bluffton
Courtney VanMeter – Sr – Lima Central Catholic
Lauren Wireman – Jr – Allen East
Audrey Violet – Sr – Delphos Jefferson
Alli Thatcher – Jr – Crestview
Gianna Lee – Jr – Delphos Jefferson
Kylie Williams – Jr – Crestview