Schuck on a Truck: Softball Player of the Year McKinley Lowe discusses Pleasant Hill’s historic season

PLEASANT HILL, Ill. — McKinley Lowe and the Pleasant Hill softball team made history this spring.

Not only did the Wolves win 26 games, but they became the first team in school history to play for a sectional championship. A 1-0 loss to Illini Bluffs ended the incredible run, but Lowe set aside the pain from tendonitis in her elbow to nearly throw a perfect game and give Pleasant Hill a chance to advance.

She did that the entire season. Lowe fashioned a 1.29 ERA over 141.1 innings and 25 games, compiling a 20-5 record. She had a 0.68 WHIP with 271 strikeouts and 15 walks. Lowe also hit .407 with eight doubles, three home runs and 30 RBIs.

For that, she is being named the 2024 Muddy River Sports Player of the Year.

Lowe joined Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman on the tailgate of his pickup to discuss the Wolves’ historic season, the Player of the Year honor and the relationship she has with her dad — Pleasant Hill coach Ryan Lowe — for this edition of “Schuck on a Truck.”