Four Black Hawks catch softball coaches’ eyes

When it comes to all-conference softball selections, Grafton High School has the field covered.

A Black Hawks’ pitcher, catcher, infielder and outfielder each received recognition from North Shore Conference coaches for their play this season.

Catcher Grace Zvara, who was named to the second team as an infielder as a freshman and a utility player last season, cracked the first team at catcher.

Zvara hit .545, had 25 RBIs, nine doubles, 30 hits, an on-base percentage of .671, a slugging percentage of .909 and a fielding percentage of .970 — all team highs. Her four triples tied for the team lead. She scored 19 runs, tied for second on the Hawks, and walked 15 times, second on the team.

“Grace is a key player on our team and was well deserving of receiving first team as a catcher with her performance this season,” first year coach Jasmine Freeze said. “I am excited to assist her in continuing to elevate her game going into her senior season.”

Senior shortstop Ava Eernisse was named to the second team after earning honorable mention last season.

Eernisse hit .397 with a team-high four home runs, 27 hits, 17 RBIs, five doubles, four triples and a team-high 21 runs.

She had an .898 fielding percentage at the lead infield spot.

“Ava was a big part of our offensive game. As a senior, she was a great leader and role model to her teammates,” Freeze said. “I enjoyed coaching Ava because she was a player that was exciting to watch on the field and exhibited a level of confidence that motivated her to always look for new ways to improve her game that will help her be successful.”

Eernisse will play hockey at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minn., next season.

Senior pitcher Khiah King earned honorable mention at utility. King led the Hawks to a regional title as a sophomore and has been the Hawks’ primary pitcher ever since.

King went 5-9 with a 5.83 ERA. She struck out 63 batters and walked 61 in 70 innings.

King hit .373 and was second on the Hawks with 18 RBIs and eight doubles. She had one triple and two homers, 22 hits and scored 19 runs.

King had a .927 fielding percentage while playing in multiple spots.

“Khiah was vital to our defense, and commanded the circle like a boss and could help contribute in a variety of other positions like third base and second base,” Freeze said.

“Khiah was another senior who was respected by her teammates and assisted in cultivating the expectations that led to the success of the season.”

Freshman outfielder Lucy Wilke earned honorable mention. Wilke hit .268 with four RBIs and 10 runs scored. She had an .867 fielding percentage.

“I’m very happy Lucy was able to receive honorable mention in the outfield as a freshman because she was a player that worked hard (to get) into the varsity lineup and gave 100% effort in everything she did,” Freeze said.

The Hawks, the smallest team in the conference, went 4-8 in the NSC and 10-12 overall. They knocked off New Berlin West, 8-4, in the playoffs before losing, 10-5, at top-seeded Pewaukee.

Zvara said she knows she and the other seniors will have to step up next season.

“Replacing Ava and Khiah will be hard for our program. Our seniors have big shoes to fill because they set a high precedent for the rest of the team to follow,” she said.

“Ava consistently hit well and showed speed at shortstop her entire high school career. Losing our starting pitcher will also be tough because Khiah has made a name for herself through the growth she has shown over her career. I’m really going to miss playing with them in the future because we’ve played together for so long.”