AOY 2012: Female finalists

Bios for the finalists for 2012 Gazette Female Athlete of the Year:

MELISSA ALGER, Lisbon

Made a remarkable jump with an impressive senior year. Earned third place at state and seventh at the Drake Relays in the discus. First-team all-Big East Conference in volleyball and basketball, earning third-team all-state in the latter. Broke school records in blocked shots and rebounds; she averaged 13.4 points and 12.9 boards per game. Lisbon reached the regional semifinals in volleyball and basketball. Will play volleyball at Coe College.

MACKENZIE BIGBEE, Williamsburg

A four-sport athlete, and she excelled in all of them. She was an all-stater in volleyball and holds school career records for kills (1,349) and aces (210). A three-time first-team all-conference performer in basketball, a sport in which she holds 16 school records. Averaged 13.2 points and 8.6 rebounds per game as a senior. A four-time state qualifier in the high jump, including a fourth-place finish as a freshman. A five-year starter in softball, leading the team in batting average three years. Will play volleyball at Iowa State University.

ANNIE DALE, Cedar Rapids Xavier

A four-year starter for the Xavier soccer dynasty, which won its seventh straight state title earlier this month. Completed her career with 86 goals and 28 assists, including a career-high 25 goals as a junior. Second-team all-state as a sophomore, first team as a junior. A two-year starter at point guard for the basketball team. Averaged 5.4 points and 2 steals per game as the Saints reached the state tournament. Will play soccer at the University of Northern Iowa.

ALLIE HUTCHESON, Cedar Rapids Kennedy

A three-year varsity letterwinner, she earned Elite all-state volleyball honors after leading the Cougars to their fourth straight state volleyball tournament; they reached the 4A semifinals for the fourth straight year. A 6-foot-1 left-hander, she led Kennedy in kills (2.70 per game, with a .462 kill efficiency) and assists (7.41 per game). A three-year starter as goalkeeper for the soccer team, she set a school record for goals allowed per game at 0.53 in 2011, then helped the Cougars to the 3A state title this season. Will play volleyball at the University of Northern Colorado.

SHELLY STUMPFF, Iowa City West

A key figure in three state championships -- two in volleyball and one in basketball. Earned Elite all-state honors -- she was the Class 4A player of the year -- as the Women of Troy concluded a bittersweet volleyball season with their second straight title. Averaged 3.57 kills per game (.299 kill efficiency). A three-year starter in basketball, she helped the Women of Troy to the peak in 2012 (netting 8.6 points and 6.0 rebounds per game) after finishing second in 2011. A two-time all-MVC first-team softball player who will finish with five softball letters. Will play volleyball at Wingate (N.C.) University.