Roberson drives in 2 in All-Star game
O’Neil Roberson and Mary Katherine Tedder are two of the top softball players in the state of Alabama, let alone the Birmingham area.
The Oak Mountain and Spain Park High School stars were honored by being selected to play in the AHSAA North-South All-Star Softball Game, which took place Tuesday night at Lagoon Park in Montgomery.
“It’s awesome,” Roberson said. “I was really happy. Even though I was on the South, it was still really fun, because I loved all of them and it was fun.”
Tedder represented the North team, which swept the doubleheader, 12-4 and 4-1. Despite her school being just five minutes away from Spain Park, Roberson found herself on the South team.
Tedder said playing with a completely different set of teammates did not present many difficulties.
“We practiced twice, so it wasn’t that hard getting used to it. You just have to play your game and play your role,” she said.
Roberson rotated in at first base often and Tedder spent most of the night at shortstop, and even made an appearance at second base. Roberson drove in two runs in the first contest, and both were excited to officially cap off their school seasons and begin preparation for their senior campaigns.
“The only thing I have on my mind right now is winning state,” said Tedder, as the Lady Jags were Class 7A runners-up in May. “That’s the only thing I’m going to be worrying about all year. But we have to take it one step at a time.”
Roberson’s main focus is to end next season on the right note. Roberson and pitcher Abby Jones will be the only seniors at Oak Mountain next year, and their production will be needed.
“For the school season, trying to make the most with Abby Jones, because it will be our last year to play together and for Coach Griffin, because we love her. We want to go far,” Roberson said.
Roberson hit 21 home runs and drove in 69 runs in a monster junior season, and Jones registered a 2.97 ERA over 99 1/3 innings.
Kaitlin Griffin took control of the Oak Mountain program in time for the 2016 season, and led the Lady Eagles to a 30-14 mark.
“She turned it all around and made us know that she had confidence in us and we always could go to her for anything, and she’s great,” Roberson said.
Tedder’s name has been in the news all summer, as she has been recognized on various regional and national levels for her on-field performance in the spring.
“It’s very overwhelming, but humbling at the same time, because I’ve worked so hard and it’s paying off in the right time. I’m just glad to see it come through. I thank God for the opportunity,” she said.