Lady Jays' DeBates and Bush receive softball honors

WORTHINGTON — Minnesota West Community and Technical College Lady Jays softball players Ashley DeBates and Stacy Bush were honored by the Minnesota Community College Conference Tuesday.

DeBates, a sophomore outfielder for the Lady Jays, was named to the All-State second team and also received first team All-Southern Division honors.

Bush, a sophomore manager turned pinch runner, turned shortstop, was recognized for her efforts by being named to the second team All-Southern Division.

For DeBates, this was the second straight year she was named All-State and All-Southern Division. DeBates also received All-American honors last year.

“It’s neat that Ashley was selected in both years as a Lady Jay,” Minnesota West head coach Rosalie Hayenga said. “It’s something to be really proud of.

“She’s going to go on to play at a four-year school,” Hayenga added. “We’re still looking at her options right now, but several schools have contacted us, and there’s no doubt she’s going to move on and play very well in a four-year program.”

Bush, who starred on the Lady Jays’ basketball team during the winter season, originally signed on with the softball team as a manager. As the season progressed, Hayenga needed Bush to fill in, first as a pinch runner, and later as the everyday shortstop — excelling at each position.

“Stacy actually ended up with the highest batting average for the season,” Hayenga said. “She had a great last week, and when we added up the final stats, she was batting .420. We haven’t sent in the final stats to the conference, but I imagine she will be in the top five in the Southern Division.

“It’s really amazing because she’s never played fast-pitch softball in her life,” Hayenga added. “Stacy is very athletic, and you can do a lot with an athlete. We’ll miss both of these girls in our programs next year.”

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