By Staff
Hartselle's Lyle and Roberts placed on Class 5A All-State Team
Nick Johnston, Hartselle Enquirer
DANVILLE – The target keeps getting bigger and bigger.
Kristy Roberts, a speedy Danville sophomore a season ago, is well known in this area for stealing bases. Now, she is well known across the state.
Roberts was named to the 2003 Alabama Sports Writers Association's Super All-State Team. The team, voted on by sports writer across Alabama, consists of seven classifications, including AISA.
"I was shocked," Roberts said. "I heard they just picked seniors, so I wasn't expecting it at all. I'm very excited."
Roberts was a lock for the Class 3A All-State Team after breaking the state record for stolen bases, but the ASWA felt she was good enough to be placed on the Super All-State Team.
Jessica Lyle and Sabrina Roberts were named to the Class 5A All-State Team, Roberts for pitching and Lyle for first base.
Hartselle head coach Shane Alexander was named Class 5A Coach of the Year for leading the Lady Tigers to their third title in four years and second straight.
Roberts feels added pressure…
Roberts stole 76 bases in 76 tries last season, shattering the state record of 60 set a year ago. She was second in the state with a .564 average and notched 38 RBIs.
After making the Super All-State Team, Roberts said the pressure is beginning to mount.
"There's a little bit of added pressure now," she said. "People look at me now like I have to be safe every time I steal."
Roberts also has overheard other teams at summer league games talking about her speed. She's also been approached about it while shopping.
In Hartselle, both Roberts and Lyle will have another shot at making the Super All-State team next year, as both were just juniors a year ago.
Roberts, who was named the Class 5A Playoff MVP, won 20 games and boasted an ERA under 0.65. She allowed just eight walks this season, a school record.
For Lyle, she won 16 games on the mound but earned the All-State honor at first base. She hit .410 and had 42 RBIs.