MW’s Hall earns 2nd team all-state

WORTHINGTON — Second base for Minnesota West’s softball team this season was not a quiet one and that’s not just because a pitch did not go by without Alayna Hall cheering on the Lady Jays from the infield.

Hall made it a loud position with her play, earning her a spot on the MCAC All-State second team. Although Hall communicates well with her team on the field, apparently, off the field, no one is very informative with her.

“I actually had no idea until you just told me,” Hall said about earning the all-state award. “I feel very honored. I’m not one to brag or be cocky, but I’m proud of myself.”

Hall batted .524 with 39 runs scored, 10 doubles, three triples and two home runs in 103 at bats. She had 17 RBIs, a .738 slugging percentage, four walks and struck out just 11 times, while stealing 31 bases in 34 attempts. In the field, she had 60 putouts, 25 assists and 10 errors.

According to the Glenville-Emmons High School graduate, it was just a matter of relaxing.

“When I was a senior (in high school), we didn’t finish very good as a team and it was tough.

“I knew I had to keep playing softball, so I came to Minnesota West and I wasn’t really stressed out. I just wanted to play. I was more relaxed than I’d ever been and, once I saw the success in my first couple of games, it pumped me up for the rest of the season.”

No one was happier than MW coach Rosalie Hayenga-Hostikka that Hall made the two-hour trip west from Glenville to play softball.

“Alayna had an outstanding freshman season,” Hayenga-Hostikka said. “She was versatile in all facets of the game, as she was a leadoff hitter that got on base and set the table for us, but she was also a player that displayed some power at the plate.

“She led the conference in both batting average and steals and was a solid performer in the field. She is also a team leader and will be a key asset for us in 2013.”

Hall is preparing to not only be a key asset to the MW softball team, but also a key asset to society.

When Hall was 16 years old she watched her grandmother die of cancer. With the closing of her grandmother’s eyes, Hall’s eyes opened to see what she wanted to be.

“My sisters are nurses, both my grandmothers were nurses and my great grandmother was a nurse,” Hall said. “My last conversation with my gramma she told me I would be good at anything I did.

“That’s when I knew I wanted to be a nurse like she was.”

Whether she’s on the field keeping her teammates’ heads up or she’s one day helping a patient, Hall won’t be quiet when people need a noise.

“I hope this award is motivation and strength for the team next year,” Hall said. “I think we were lacking confidence this season, so, hopefully, this motivates the girls.

“I want them to know they can play with anyone.”

Daily Globe Sports Editor Chris Murphy may be reached at 376-7328.

Tags: minnesota west sports, sports, softball