Bella Duncan’s statistics were eye-popping, while her energy and enthusiasm were infectious for a Morrison team that reached its first Sweet 16 since 2017. Duncan is the SVM Softball Player of the Year for 2025.

Here is a look at the top softball players from the Sauk Valley area for the 2025 season.

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With the conclusion of the 2025 high school spring sports season, take a look back at some of the best images from the Sauk Valley.

The Illinois Coaches Association released its All-State softball teams in each class, with Dixon’s Bailey Tegeler and Sterling’s Mya Lira recognized in Class 3A. Newman's Gianna Vance and Lucy Oetting were also among the area selections.

Battling last year's state runner-up North Boone to extra innings, Morrison fell just short in a 4-3 loss in Friday's sectional final. The Fillies' four seniors helped raise the bar this season.

Belvidere North sophomore Ava Morris tossed a two-hit shutout and added two hits and an RBI in a 4-0 win over Sterling in the Class 3A Dixon Regional final Friday at Reynolds Field.

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Sterling takes on Belvidere North in the Class 3A Regional softball final at Dixon. The Warriors fell 4-0.

Fulton fell 7-0 to West Central on Thursday in the Class 1A sectional semifinals. The Steamers can hold their heads high after winning their first regional title since 2018.

Morrison answered a solo home run by Marengo's Kylee Jensen in the top of the fourth inning with six runs on six hits in the bottom half, and pitcher Bella Duncan shut down the Indians the rest of the way for a spot in Friday's Class 2A Marian Central Sectional final.