Kati Fern and Nicola Tade Named All-Metro

Kati Fern and Nicola Tade were named All-Metro First Team in the Star-Tribune's annual list of the metro areas top players.  The paper had this to say about the two Park Center captains:

KATI FERN

Park Center, sr., CF

A rare leadoff hitter who can play small- bunt and slap hit- but also drive the ball when needed.  Batted .581 with a .608 on-base percentage.  Her speed allows her to cover large areas of the outfield.  Coach Steve Ericson called her Park Center's "biggest game-changer who always put pressure on the other team."

NICOLA TADE

Park Center, sr., Pitcher

After back-to-back state titles, the Pirates made the jump from Class 2A to 3A this year and Tade kept them among the states' elite teams.  Finished with a 15-4 recond, a 0.53 ERA and 173 strikeouts.  "She had as good or better a year than the last two," said Coach Steve Ericson.

Star-Tribune All-Metro team link