Eight area players were recognized by the Pennsylvania High School Softball Coaches Association when its all-state teams were announced, led by Northwestern Lehigh catcher Abby Dunstan, who earned Class 4A First Team honors at catcher.

The two-time Times News Softball Player of the Year capped another outstanding season by batting .491 with 10 home runs and 39 RBIs while helping the Tigers capture a Colonial League championship and advance to the PIAA Class 4A semifinals.

Dunstan, who will continue her academic and softball career at Georgia Tech, was one of four Northwestern players selected.

Joining Dunstan on the Class 4A squad were first-team utility player Emma Freeman, first-team outfielder Ella Bressi and second-team shortstop Natalie Conner.

Marian Catholic also placed three players on the Class A team. Malina Letcher earned first-team honors at third base, while Hailey Treskolasky was named a second-team catcher and DeAnna Pugh received second-team recognition at shortstop.

Pleasant Valley’s Rylan Knapp rounded out the area’s selections with Class 5A First Team honors at shortstop.