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2007
Features
Wausau East's co-coaches look to provide program with stability
A look at Wisconsin's top players - by Tim Husted
A
look at some of Wisconsin's Top Players
Racine
County Preview for 2007
Assumption Reloading in Wisconsin Rapids
New Coach in Manitowoc
Ashwaubenon has lots of new faces in attempt to repeat
Winneconne Preview
SPASH Season Preview
Chippewa Falls and McDonell have great pitching
Marawood
softball should look different at the top
Portage's
Katie Stillwell on a roll - Capital Times profile by Dennis Semrau
Kimberly on target with win
Hortonville Bus Rides
A moment with Biz (Sitzman that is)
Racine
County Queens and Aces
Chi Hi's Malnory gives up and hits a home run
Loyal's Laschen gets 500th win
A
look at some of Wisconsin's Top Players
From Tim Husted - Danes' Fastpitch General Manager
Here is my take
on players, again much of what I know is players from my program but it might
have some value to a wider audience.
Chippewa Falls is always good. This year is no difference. Huge impact players are in the batter with Brooke Malnory and Mikayla Hogan. Last year we saw some of the top players in the Midwest, but the hitter we respected the most was in our own backyard in Hogan. She is another hockey/softball kid. Scary powerful and great hands which make it hard to throw it past her. Malnory throws a great game every time we see her. She moves the ball, throws hard and understandings how to pitch to hitters to minimize the impact. Jared has done a ton with this program through summer and fall opportunities and they should always be considered the team to beat in Northwest Wisconsin.
Hudson still has a lot of talent with Britt Krieg on the mound and Sarah Stalker leading the offensive attack. Stalker looks to play at St. Cloud State and both have been Danes for a few years so they have seen the strong level of play that comes from the Big Rivers Conference. They have a few other strong hitters, pitching depth that is tested in MN travel ball and should have another improved year.
Menomonie returns the strongest player I have ever seen in Amanda Ryder. Her focus is hockey, where she is an elite player as well, but she has started for the Danes since age 12 and last year was the best hitter in the USSSA Majors National Tournament which included many D1 players and recruits. She generally catches but can provide pitching depth as well. Beth Schmidt is a long time Dane and will play 2B and offers some pop to the lineup. They will return pitcher Sophie Dahl who is a solid pitcher/hitter and Coach Hamilton will get the most out of any team she coaches.
Eau Claire North returns their catcher, Erin Stenseth who plays catcher for us. Amazing leadership skills for a sophomore. Not sure how much she impacts the game at North since she is a very small catcher but in the summer she is an outstanding infielder and is developing as a hitter. Best leader we have seen in our program since Casey Leisgang (now an All-American for UWEC).
Holmen has two players who have joined our team this winter in Emily Pierce and Lauren Shaller. Pierce is a strong high school pitcher who can throw hard and change speeds. Shaller is an amazing athlete and developing player who I project to be a top notch college player. Shaller is a soph while Pierce is a senior.
Eau Claire Memorial have the potential to have a powerful 1-2 punch with Amanda Lester and Corie Hegwood. Lester is a returning player and has been a Dane for a few years, the type of kid who does whatever you ask with a smile. In high school ball, she has elite power but will lack opportunities to show it due to the ability to avoid her in the lineup. Hegwood is another elite power kid although has not seen varsity time as of yet.
New Richmond returns a hard throwing pitcher in Nikki Singerhouse. Although returning from an injury, she should continue her success from last year.
Loyal returns superstar Rachel “Rosie” Weyer. The Danes 18U RF, Rosie is an accomplished catcher and versatile offensive threat with the ability to hit for power or use her 3.0 speed as a slapper. A natural lefty, it is hard to defend one option and not open up the risk of the other beating you. It helps she comes from the strong coaching in our Danes program and in her own home with Mom being a very successful high school coach in her day.
Arcadia returns all state selection Sara Baumgartner who also has the double threat of power and speed. This centerfielder has great defensive range and arm strength and has developed as a hitter over the past year with the Danes. She will attend UWEC and projects to be an elite college player in the WIAC. One of the most driven players I have coached.
LaCrosse Central is another strong program due to great coaching and strong youth programs in the LaCrosse area that are developing strong players. A lot of talent in that program, the two names I know are current Dane IF Jessa Pfening and young catcher Becky Robson. Both could be hitting bombs all season, I think Robson could surpass some of former Central standout Jackie Juan’s records (Now an All Conference WIAC OF at UW-Stout).
Middleton could have some unexpected pop from Kaity Acker, another Dane who spent last summer developing as a hitter and should have considerable added HR power at the high school level.
Mosinee will return elite speed slapper/hitter Hilary Brown. Hilary also provides strong OF defensive with a strong arm from a smaller stature player.
Medford returns Hailey Kozey who should provide strong pitching. She is at least 6 feet tall and throws very hard. She is developing but has high potential and could be a nice continuation of the success former Medford arm Nikki Beyer had in recent years.
Although not a Dane, DC Everest’s catcher Emily DeLong is another elite player. She has great power and a strong throwing arm as a catcher. They also return Alicia Barrett on the mound who works hard to get out to the off season camps and clinics and was 2nd Team All Conference last year.
Not sure if she will be a varsity player, but one of the top pitchers in our program is Hillary Jenness from Altoona. Although only a freshman, she has top level speed and ability to move the ball as well as maturity beyond her years. She will be an impact player in WI softball in the very near future. I have similar expectations for Hudson freshman Abby Singerhouse as a hitter/slapper.
Timothy J. Husted- General Manager, Danes Fastpitch - E-Mail: danesfastpitch@hotmail.com
Wausau
East's co-coaches look to provide program with stability
By Michelle Kijek - March 22, 2007
Wausau Daily Herald
mkijek@wdhprint.com
One would think senior Brittney Hildebrandt is tired of seeing change within
the Wausau East softball program. The four-year varsity starter watched five
different varsity coaches walk into the Lumberjacks' gym on the first day
of practice -- three of them never to return the next season.
Marcus Smith coached Hildebrandt's 2004 freshman season, Janine Heller took
over in 2005, Jaime Pfaff took the job in 2006 and now for the 2007 season
East will be co-coached by Jeff Detert and Mark Hildebrandt, Brittney's father.
Five coaches in four years.
The numbers make it easy to discern how East went 2-16 last season including
1-15 in the Wisconsin Valley Conference.
"It was hard because we've had so many different coaches, to really get
consistency," senior Katie Pensinger said.
Hildebrandt, who has played softball since she was five, emphasized the strain
the coaching changes had on the East program.
"I know a lot of other teams have had the same coach for like eight years,
so they (the players) know what to expect," Brittney Hildebrandt said.
"It's not 'come out and then quit' or anything. Each individual coach
does something different, and so it's kind of hard to adjust every single
year."
For now, the coaching carousel is over, and Hildebrandt, Pensinger and the
team's only other senior, three-year varsity member Tarissa Moss, like the
direction in which the program is moving.
"This year will be a lot better because we have a really fast team and
young girls, so it's kind of like a fresh start," Brittney Hildebrandt
added.
Coach Hildebrandt and Detert are of the same opinion and are excited to get
the program moving in the right direction.
They have the knowledge and experience to get the job done.
Hildebrandt has coached softball at different levels since his daughter was
in grade school and spent last year as a varsity assistant at East.
Detert was the Lumberjacks' junior varsity coach for the past two seasons
and has spent many years involved as a player in local softball leagues.
"We're just going to try and improve the program," Detert said.
"Our numbers have been getting better the last three years and we've
had great youth groups moving up. That's all you can hope for. About a year
or two and we'll be pretty tough."
As for the co-coaching strategy, Detert is taking outfield duties and Hildebrandt
has taken over the infield.
The seniors have had only good things to say about the new coaching situation.
"He (Detert) has been playing softball for forever, so he really knows
the game," Moss said.
Added Pensinger: "He brings a lot to the table. He's really motivating
and he just knows a lot about skill and what we need to get done."
Detert, who hopes to find a long term niche with the varsity team, sees a
bright future for Lumberjacks softball.
"We're probably fielding the best team we've had in three or four years,"
Detert said. "We're happy. We're young, fast and hopefully the mistakes
are going to go away."
SPASH Panthers softball look to return to championship form
By Scott Williams
Journal staff
scott.williams@cwnews.net
The Stevens Point Area Senior High softball program had grown
accustomed to seeing its seasons end in Madison.
During a run starting in 2001, the Panthers ruled all of Division 1 by capturing
a state-record four straight championships over that span.
So imagine the disbelief and shock when Neenah knocked SPASH out of the tournament in regional play a year ago.
The Panthers got used to the view at the top, and are determined to return to what they feel is their rightful place atop the Division 1 world.
"We've been to the top of the mountain, and as long as we were up there, last year was tough to take," SPASH coach Tom Drohner, who owns a 171-26 record in eight seasons said.
At most high schools, a 19-3 season would be viewed as a year to remember.
At SPASH, where success is measured in state titles, last season was one it would just soon forget, although the stinging pain of that regional loss lingers.
"Certainly for us that was motivation coming into this season. We remember how bad it hurt not to be able to advance," Drohner said. "We have such high expectations in our program. I'm sure if you ask anyone, I don't think any of them would tell you last year was successful.
"But we have an outstanding senior group, and I've challenged them to lead us back to state," he added.
When it comes to talent, the Panthers won't have to take a back seat to anyone.
At least that holds true on paper, as SPASH returns seven starters, including four first team All-Wisconsin Valley Conference performers and three first team all-state players.
Drohner firmly believes that in senior shortstop Katie Maultra, he has "the best player in the state."
Her numbers would seem to back that up. A .488 batting average, with six home runs and 44 RBI -- the latter two statistics being single-season school records.
"I feel like I've had two difference-makers since I've been here. Lindsay Rosicky is one and Katie is the other," Drohner said. "She's the real deal. She can take a game over offensively and defensively. My team is better because we have her."
The rest of the infield would be the envy of a lot of coaches as well.
Senior third baseman Sarah Petersen (.429) joins Maultra as an all-state player who has been a three-year varsity player. As impressive as she was at the plate, Petersen might be even better with the glove.
Emily Haluska, a sophomore second baseman, hit .371 after missing half the season with an injury. Senior Brittany Lang (.412) rounds out a dynamic infield at first.
"This is probably the best infield I've had," Drohner said. "Our infield has the ability to make so many big-time plays."
In case coaches feel they will get a breather in the Panthers lineup after that group, they might want to reconsider.
Junior all-state center fielder Rachel Roth returns after leading the team with a .507 batting average despite starting the season in a reserve role.
Catcher Sam Henke (.417) and designated-player Brittany Forrest (.379), both seniors, also deserve to be mentioned as part of SPASH's version of a murderer's row lineup.
"If pitchers throw the ball down the middle of the plate, we're going to hit it," Drohner said. "From a power-hitting standpoint, we're going to be fun to watch. Playing at a place with fences, teams are going to have a tough time keeping us in the ballpark."
The only losses due to graduation from last season came in the outfield where Jaycie Fritsch, Stephanie Precourt and Jenna Smith have departed.
Instead of rebuilding, the Panthers will just reload with Kariann Haluska and junior Amber Alekna.
That duo will receive stiff competition for playing time from senior Jen Flury, Hillary Forrest, Tia Teske, junior Brittany Laska, along with sophomores Amanda Evanoff and Jordan Kryshak.
"We have a lot of up and comers who are going to fight for playing time in the outfield," Drohner said.
In the end, how far the Panthers go this season just might come down to pitching.
That is where junior Sam Przybelski enters the picture. She returns as the leading contender for the No 1 spot on the staff after going 13-3 with a 1.08 earned run average.
She allowed only 54 hits in 97 2/3 innings of work, while striking out 95 and walking 18 despite playing through a leg injury the second half of the season.
Przybelski will have to hold off a strong challenge from freshman Stacy Tuskowski, who has the make-up of a top pitcher.
"Sam is our No. 1 for now. She hasn't proven she can take us where we want to be. She's good enough to do it, but hasn't proven it yet," Drohner said. "Stacy has big-time potential. Whoever pitches the best will be out there."
While the state championship run ended at four in a row, the Panthers aim to extend their string of Valley titles to seven this season.
The Fastpitch Chronicle is among those who like SPASH's chances after putting them at No. 3 in the Division 1 preseason poll behind top-ranked and defending champion Appleton North and Ashwaubenon.
Drohner is excited about what the season holds in store for the Panthers.
"I have a lot of confidence in this team and what we
can accomplish," the coach said. "We've put a lot of big goals out
in front of them. It's like, 'There's the bone. Let's go out and get it.'
"
Back to Top
Cardinal softball team
armed for 2006 season
THE PARK FALLS HERALD
PARK FALLS -- Pitching is a key in fastpitch softball and the
Park Falls Cardinals appear well-armed for the 2006 high school season.
Seniors Amy Pechacek and Nikki Treml are joined by freshmen Kelsey Walasek
and Whitney Hilgart to give Coach Ken Dischler depth and options in the circle.
“We have four quality arms,” Dischler said. “Nikki and Amy
threw all of our varsity innings last season and we’re looking for them
to step up as seniors. K- Rae (Walasek) and Whitney have a lot of quality
innings in summer ball and are excited about their opportunities.”
The Cards allowed 147 runs in 21 games last season.
“That number has to drop significantly,” Dischler said. “You
can’t give up seven runs in our game and expect to win, especially when
half of them are unearned as they were last season. Our pitchers have to get
the job done and our defense has to make plays.”
Sophomore Kelsey Christianson returns at catcher for the Cards and Michelle
Wanty is back at first base. Senior Kendra Jirschele will move from shortstop
to second base to open the season and freshmen Maddie Lamb and Bekka Slack
will open at shortstop and third base, respectively.
“Michelle gives us a great glove at first. She fielded .972 there last
season,” Dischler said. “Kelsey had a solid freshman season behind
the plate and we’re looking for her to take a step up. Moving K.J. (Jirschele)
to second makes us strong on the right side. We’re untested on the left
side, but Maddie and Bekka give us quickness and athleticism there.”
Seniors Kendra Gelina and Megan Haegerl return in the outfield. Pechacek,
Treml and Walasek will also fill outfield spots and, along with Hilgart, can
back up in the infield.
“We won’t be able to sort out the outfield completely until we
get some opportunities to get on a field, but we have a lot of girls on varsity
who can play a lot of different positions,” Dischler said. “We’re
practicing now with 11 on varsity, but we can go three deep almost anywhere
with those girls.”
Gelina was a first-team pick in the Lumberjack Conference last season. She
hit .350 with a team-high 21 hits, including seven doubles and three triples,
leading the team in total bases (34), on-base percentage (.418) and slugging
percentage (.567).
“She gives us some pop in the heart of the line-up. With the girls hitting
at the top of the order, she, K.J. and Amy should have some opportunities
to drive in runs,” Dischler said.
Wanty led the team last season in runs scored, walks and stolen bases and
Pechacek and Jirschele were the RBI leaders.
“We’ll have good speed at the top of the order and players who
handle the bat well. We’ll need to drive some balls in the middle of
the line-up. At the bottom, we’ll be back to quick. We should be able
to put some pressure on opposing defenses,” Dischler said. “Offensively,
we want to execute fundamentally; get players on, get them over and get them
in.”
The Cards will also field a jayvee team and a grades 9-10 team this season.
“We have 29 girls on the team and we need them all to play a lot of
innings,” Dischler said.
Dan Herbst returns as varsity assistant coach and Bill Mallak and Len Kennedy
return to coach the jayvee team. Steph Linsmeyer joins the staff to coach
the 9- 10 team.
Juniors on the team are Chelsea Carlson, Chelsey Gerlach, Andrea Hoffman and
Alison Miller. Sophomores include Kendall Carden, Teresa Grassel, Lauren Green,
Megan Holm, Leah Rebne and Nikki Zoesch. Freshmen include Vanessa Boraas-
Stueber, Theresa Ellner, Brittany Engel, Laura Pechacek, Emily Pratt, Jess
Withey, Tiffany Zwicke and manager Fallon Stelter.
“We’re deeper now, at all levels, than we have been in recent
years, which makes us stronger as a whole,” Dischler said. “Some
of these girls have varsity experience and there are opportunities for varsity
innings this season as they continue to develop their skills.”
Back to Top
Green Bay West welcomes role as favorite
By Scott Venci
svenci@greenbaypressgazette.com
Green Bay West girls softball coach Bob LeCaptain has been waiting for this season to arrive since last year.
It was only a few minutes after his Wildcats lost to Pulaski in a WIAA Division 1 regional final last May that the longtime coach began talking about how special the 2006 West team could be.
Although there was brief talk that LeCaptain might consider retirement after 25 seasons at West and Denmark, the allure of coaching a team with the Wildcats' talent has brought him back for another year.
West, which captured its first outright Fox River Valley Conference title last year and has won at least a share of the conference championship three times in the last six seasons, might have its best team during that span.
Although another conference title for West is being predicted by many, it's being expected by the Wildcats.
"We set our goals really high," said LeCaptain, who is in his seventh year at West. "We have been successful for a lot of years in a row, and even though West has struggled a little bit with winning traditions, the softball team has been an exception. They have a winning tradition.
"All of these kids think they can win. They know what it takes."
West will have to overcome the loss of some key
players off last year's team, most notably center fielder Elizabeth LeClaire,
who was a first-team
all-conference player and considered one of the best defensive players in
the state.
It also has to replace its middle infield in second baseman Jess Van Camp and shortstop Kelly Schoen.
Knowing the Wildcats would have to replace LeClaire, LeCaptain began grooming sophomore Jenny Basinski last year. Basinski started in left field as a freshman.
"She does all the things Elizabeth does, just Elizabeth had more experience," LeCaptain said. "She will keep getting experience."
It also helps having Becca Mann, a first-team all-conference pick a year ago, roaming the outfield.
"It is not very much of a concern, because Jenny has gotten a lot better from last year," said Mann, who hit over .400 in the conference in 2005. "I think she can take over that spot.
"I think we have a very good team, even better than last year. We have a pretty good chance. We are going to play our best to try and win conference again."
Perhaps the biggest key to the Wildcats will rest on the shoulders of pitcher Cassie Felton. The senior standout had a 2.08 earned-run average last year and was a first-team all-conference pick.
Felton played for the Wisconsin Bandits last summer, and has come back with an improved curveball and a solid changeup.
With a difficult non-conference schedule and a team the rest of the FRVC will be trying to knock off, the Wildcats are starting the season under a microscope.
Which is fine with them.
"I try and create pressure," LeCaptain said. "What good does it do you to get into the tournament later on if you haven't learned how to respond to pressure?
"I don't care if they have a bull's-eye on their back. It doesn't matter. You still have to go out there between the lines, and you still have to pitch the ball and hit the ball."
Green Bay Area Players to watch
Ashley Billerbeck, sr., Sevastopol
The catcher was a second-team all-state selection last season. She appears
to be even better this year. "She is a physical leader on my team,"
Sevastopol coach Heather Fellner-Spetz said. "Her knowledge of the game
and her intelligence about the game complements her physical abilities tremendously.
Besides that, she loves to play. She is going to lead us in every way, shape
and form."
Kristy Halverson, soph., Green Bay Preble
The pitcher has the task of replacing starter Cassie Vandevoorde and guiding
a young Hornets squad. "It just depends on if we can put the defense
behind her," Preble coach Rick Halverson said. "She is not going
to overpower anybody, but she does like to throw to corners and spots."
Jenna Nitti, sr., and Jamie Nitti, sr.,
Green Bay East
The twin sisters and outfielders provide the Red Devils with some major speed.
Jenna has earned a scholarship to the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, while
Jamie plans to walk on at the school. "I expect both of them to steal
a dozen, 18 bases apiece," East coach Tom Zimdars said. "We have
played two games now, and between the two of them, they probably have got
six steals already. One pitch, two pitches and they are gone."
Denise Heuser, sr., Pulaski
The basketball standout is pretty good at softball, too. After a strong junior
year, the standout pitcher will be counted on to help lead a Pulaski team
that fell one game short of state last year. "We are a young team,"
Heuser said. "We lost a lot of girls. But I think once we all gel together
and work together, we will be fine."
Kayla Kastenmeier, sr., Ashwaubenon
Kastenmeier will take over the No. 1 spot in the rotation left by the graduation
of Kristi Doucette. Kastenmeier was a first-team Bay Conference selection
last year. "If things go the way we hope they go for her, and they look
like they may go, she should be pretty tough," Ashwaubenon coach Jim
Van Laanen said. "Her rise ball is working really well. She has got all
the pitches. As long as she doesn't get hurt, she is going to be awesome."
Brynn Larsen, soph., Oconto Falls
Larsen had a dominating freshman season last year while playing catcher, hitting
.368 with 20 RBIs and 24 stolen bases. She was named the Valley 8 player of
the year. "We had a scrimmage a week ago, and the first two times at
bat, they didn't throw a strike to her," Oconto Falls coach Dawn Larsen
said. "I told her she is really going to have to be patient this year
with that.
"She has religiously been in the weight room, and she is almost benching
150 (pounds). She is strong. Her arm is strong."
First-year Chippewa Falls coach stressing teamwork
Joe Ziemer
Leader-Telegram Staff
CHIPPEWA FALLS — For first-year Chippewa Falls softball coach Tami Slowiak,
it’s all about teamwork.
Teamwork on the field, teamwork off the field and teamwork among the coaching staff.
“We talked about that at the parents meeting and with the players,” Slowiak said, “that you’d see teamwork with the coaching staff and we’d be modeling that for the players.”
Slowiak took over for highly-successful coach Bob Schmick, who recently retired from teaching. Easing the transition are returning assistant coaches Sheldon Miller, Jared Faherty, Andrew Skelton and Rich Rosenow.
“I have a really good assistant staff and we are a really good team,” Slowiak said. “They’re kind of the technicians. It’s teamwork.”
Slowiak has put her stamp on the traditionally-strong Chi-Hi program by stressing communication and chemistry. That approach has been well-received by her players thus far.
“I’m really glad we have a coach who’s focused on working on team chemistry and working on team bonding,” junior Brooke Malnory said. “She’s doing a really good job. Our whole team really likes her.”
While the message and the messanger may be different this season, the Cardinals’ approach on the diamond remains unchanged.
“It’s the same thing,” senior Sarah Nelson said. “Defense, offense, work hard.”
Chi-Hi’s strength is on the mound, where Malnory and Nelson return to give the Cardinals one of the best pitching combinations in the area.
“It helps a lot,” Malnory said of Chi-Hi’s pitching depth. “I know if I ever get hurt I have Sarah. The same with Sarah. She’s been sick lately and if she ever gets hurt, she has me to lean back on.”
Malnory was a first-team All-Big Rivers Conference selection in 2005, while Nelson, who has a similar pitching style, was named to the second team.
“We’re pretty much the same,” said Nelson, who plays in the outfield when not pitching. “She might have a couple more miles per hour on the ball. We’re all in it together. It doesn’t really matter who’s better. We’re both going to pitch.”
Both Malnory and Nelson are three-time letterwinners, and they will be counted on for more than wins and strikeouts. As team captains, they’ll be looked to for leadership on a team with only two seniors — Nelson and outfielder Lindsay Johnson.
“Sarah is a really good leader,” Malnory said. “All the young players are really, really good and they’ve all been really, really good throughout this whole thing.”
Those younger players will have some big shoes to fill. Chi-Hi must replace two first-team All-BRC picks from last season in Samantha Hayes and Lacey Bunkelman, as well as second-teamer Ashley Brawford.
“We lost some great athletes from last year’s team,” Slowiak said. “Every year, the coaching staff commented to me that they say this person is irreplaceable.
“As people, they’re always missed. As players, because of the strength of the program we’ve always been able to fill the gaps.”
One young player who has caught the eye of coaches and teammates is freshman infielder Mikayla Hogan.
“I didn’t know what to expect from the incoming freshmen, so I would say Mikayla Hogan is a really pleasant surprise,” Slowiak said. “She’s a really strong freshman. She just seems so comfortable.”
“She’s been amazing as a freshman,” added Malnory, who played summer ball with Hogan. “I don’t think I could have ever done that.”
Thanks to their newfound approach, the Cardinals are hoping for big things in 2006.
“I think we’re going to have a really good team,” Malnory said. “Our defense is looking really good so far. We need to work a little more on our offense because we’re going to have some tough competition.”
Ziemer can be reached evenings at 833-9210, (800) 236-7077 or joe.ziemer@ecpc.com.
With everyone back, look out for Wolves
By Kevin Damask
for the Oshkosh Daily Northwestern
Two years ago, the Winneconne softball team captured its fifth straight ECFC-Lakes championship.
Last year, however, the addition of Waupun to the conference and an inexperienced roster snapped the Wolves' stranglehold on the league as they finished third.
But with all of its players back from last season, there is reason to think that Winneconne can reclaim its spot as the conference's top team.
"We all played together last year, so I think this year we're better prepared," said junior catcher Kaytie Curtis, an honorable mention all-state selection last year. "Our whole team is really strong leadership wise and having seniors on the team this year really brings us together. We have to have that confidence back and we know this year we have to step up and take charge."
Curtis is the centerpiece of a solid returning group that hopes to parlay last year's experience into big time results.
"Kaytie sets a real good example for the team," junior pitcher Alyssa Collura said. "She really doesn't say much, she just leads by example. She's the quiet leader."
Winneconne has the luxury of having strong players all over the field. Collura earned a spot on the all-conference second team and senior shortstop Abbey Leichtnam joined Collura as a second-team selection. Senior outfielder Tami Kramer joined Curtis as a first-team conference selection last spring.
Collura was a big part of the Wolves' success in 2004. Despite being just a freshman, the young hurler compiled a 15-5 record.
"Two years ago, she had outstanding defense behind her, but last year the defense was relatively young and she struggled a little bit with the defense behind her," Winneconne coach Tim Whitford said. "Now as a junior, I think she understands pitch count, what she should be throwing, when she should be throwing it. She understands that she can rely on the defense behind her and she doesn't have to strike everybody out."
Whitford likes the combination of Collura with fellow junior Kaitlyn Herbst on the mound. Both throw hard with a lot of velocity and have the ability to keep hitters off balance.
Collura and Curtis have a pitcher and catcher relationship that goes back awhile. The two have played together since kindergarten, according to Curtis. Collura thought it was around sixth grade when she began throwing to Curtis behind the plate.
Whitford will welcome back speedy utility player Brittany Lee, who played two years ago, but decided to run track last season. Kramer is recovering from knee surgery but is expected to come back in a couple weeks. Leichtnam and senior infielder Chrissy Reese are expected to provide pop at plate.
The biggest aspect Whitford likes about the Wolves is their versatility.
"We have a lot of infielders that can play in the outfield
too," Whitford said. "If it happens that we unfortunately have an
injury at some point, someone else can step in knowing that they've practiced
at those different positions."
Sheboygan South's Andi Pigeon signs NLI with UW-Green Bay
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
For immediate release:
Sheboygan South High School softball coach, John Pigeon in conjunction
with the University Of Wisconsin- Green Bay is pleased to announce the signing
of All-State Pitcher, Andi Pigeon, to a National Letter of Intent. Andi will
attend UW-GB in fall of 2006 on an athletic scholarship, to pursue a degree
in Human Biology, leading to a career in Physical Therapy.
Andi is the first Division I softball recruit from the city of Sheboygan,
as well as the first from Sheboygan County.
Her career started in Ashwaubenon when she was 8 years old, continued for a year in Cedar Rapids Iowa, and through persistence and hard work found herself on a summer team in Sheboygan at the age of 11 playing with girls two to three years older. Andi always played up in age bracket, gaining much of her experience by doing so. She started pitching when she was 12 and has been a diligent and driven player ever since. It shows, not only on the field, but also in the classroom where she carries a 3.8 GPA and is ranked 39 out of 354 students.
Her summer ball career, includes trips to 4 ASA National tournaments. Once at 12u, 14u, and twice at the 16u level. Most recently this past summer with the Kimberly Cardinals, where she threw her second career perfect game and helped the Cardinals to a 3rd place finish. The past two summers she has also played with the Johnny B’s women’s team in the Kimberly Classic league. Last year she helped the team win their league, along with finishing second in the state tournament. The experience she has gained from pitching at the 43’ collegiate distance, her mental toughness and her drive to succeed were major factors in her being recruited by UW-GB.
She has established a new benchmark for upcoming pitchers at
South, and holds all records (see attached stats) for victories, ERA, shutouts,
no-hitters, strikeouts, and walks.
Overall during her career, she has 2 perfect games and 8 no-hitters to her
credit. The past two years she has been instrumental in leading South to two
straight sectional finals. Offensively she leads by example, can hit, slap,
bunt from either side, and is presently hitting .500 this season. She has
been named team MVP all three years, All-State as a junior, All-District as
a sophomore and junior, and All-Conference the past three years. In addition
she is a tireless worker, her workouts include weight training 4 times a week
(squat max is 220lbs), and running 3 times a week.
Known
for teeing off
Bay View junior Mueller can really drive the ball
By BOB GOSMAN
Special to the Journal Sentinel - Posted: April 21, 2006
Melissa Mueller's eyes light up when an opposing pitcher grooves one low in
the strike zone.
Melissa Mueller has helped the Bay View softball team to a 4-2
start by hitting .500 with one home run and six RBI.
Mueller, the catcher for the Bay View softball team, has an affinity for driving
those offerings long distances.
"When I hit low pitches, everyone says it looks like I'm golfing," said Mueller, an avid golfer.
If that's true, than the junior must crush a lot of golf balls.
Mueller is coming off a sophomore season in which she hit .614 with seven home runs and 42 RBI. She earned all-conference honors for the second time.
"She's an outstanding golfer, and that's probably where she generates her power on low pitches," Bay View assistant coach Dave De Grace said. "She can golf them out there, literally and figuratively. She generates amazing power for her size."
At 5 feet 3 inches and 115 pounds, Mueller does not have the prototypical size for a power hitter. But her bat speed more than makes up for that.
"It's all through my hips and hitting it on the sweet spot," she said.
Added coach Chris Taylor: "Opposing players not familiar with her are awe-struck when she gets hold of it. It's amazing when she turns on it."
Mueller has helped Bay View to a 4-2 start. She is hitting .500 with one home run and six RBI.
Mueller takes just as much pride in her defense. She has played every position in the field for Bay View, including pitcher, but the bulk of her time has been spent at catcher.
"She's a stalwart behind the plate," Taylor said. "She's fundamentally sound and has a tremendous arm. We need her there as a backstop."
Mueller enjoys setting a tone by throwing out the first runner that tries to steal. Last year, she nabbed more than 60% of would-be base stealers.
"I love catcher because you're always in the action," she said. "(Teams) try to steal once or twice but they see they (can't) get there quick enough."
Mueller's younger sister, Britainy, a sophomore, pitches on the junior varsity. There is a good chance it could be an all-Mueller battery next year.
"That would be really cool," Mueller said. "We practice in the front yard and I've helped her with her technique. She's a pretty accurate pitcher."
De Grace said Mueller's ego is as tiny as her stature.
"It's refreshing because she's very unassuming," he said. "She doesn't realize how good she is. She can definitely play at the Division I college level."
Regardless of whether it's golf or softball, Mueller's attitude remains the same.
"She speaks quietly and carries a big stick," Taylor said.
An approach that will serve her well in softball, golf and beyond.
From the April 22, 2006 editions of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Racine County
Fastpitch Update is interesting reading - April 24th
The tried and true stalwarts again appear to be strong this
season in Racine County high school softball.
Union Grove, with reigning All-Racine County Player of the Year Kristyn Hansen,
has given every indication it will be a factor in the postseason. So does
Catholic Central, which won a state championship two years ago.
But make room for some up and comers. Burlington already has won the Racine
County Invitational a year after going 8-12. Meanwhile, Racine Lutheran and
Case are trying to build on breakthrough seasons and St. Catherine’s
is always a factor with Karen Kasinski on the mound.
Here are capsule summaries of the Racine area teams.
Burlington
COACH: Heather Mielke, second season.
LAST SEASON: 8-12 overall, 4-9 Southeast Conference. Lost to Kenosha Bradford
2-0 in the first-round WIAA Division 1 regional.
THIS SEASON: Burlington is 5-3 and won the Racine County Tournament with a
victory over six-team defending champion Union Grove in the championship game.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Seniors — Megan Severson, of; Nicole Hoeppner,
of-2b; Ashley Riggs, 1b; Jaime Kogler. c; Carly Gueldenzopf, p. Juniors —
Shauna Riggs, 2b. Sophomore — Jessica Spitzer, ss.
KEY NEWCOMERS: Juniors — Lindsey LaBadie, rf; Amanda Kretschmer, 3b-c;
Erin Wasilevich, cf.
OUTLOOK: This is a team that appears to be on the rise, especially after winning
the county tournament. Gueldenzopf (5-9, 2.30 ERA last season), pitched three
consecutive shutouts in the tournament and has developed into a dominant pitcher.
The Demons’ lineup features several outstanding offensive threats, headed
by Spitzer (.426, 15 runs, 11 RBIs, 27 stolen bases) and Ashley Riggs (.349,
7 RBIs).
“I feel we’re definitely developing into a real good team,’’
Mielke said.
Case
COACH: Damon Jackson, second season.
LAST SEASON: 13-9 overall, 7-5 in the Southeast Conference. Lost to Muskego
11-0 in a WIAA Division 1 sectional semifinal.
THIS SEASON: Case is 6-1.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Seniors — Jen Rozek, c; Kate Ricchio, p-ss;
Becky Houf, of; Megan Pias, of; Amber Celeste, of. Junior — Kristin
Haigh, 3b.
KEY NEWCOMERS: Sophomore — Alissa Koch, p; Sarah Jacobsen, 1b; Alyssa
Cryer, 2b.
OUTLOOK: Last season was the turnaround for Case. Now comes the next step.
“At the end of last season when we lost in the sectional semifinals,
on the bus ride home, we made an agreement not to lose in that sectional semifinal
again,’’ Jackson said. “You get to the sectional final and
anything can happen. I know it’s a bold statement, but we want to go
to Madison (for the state tournament).’’
The Eagles have played with that goal in mind. Through their first seven games,
their only loss has been by a 1-0 score and they’ve allowed just two
earned runs.
Ricchio is the top returnee after going 11-6 with a 1.71 ERA with 138 strikeouts
and 12 walks. Ricchio also hit .394 with five doubles, three triples and 13
RBIs. But those numbers are what most impresses Jackson.
“She’s the hardest-working girl I’ve been around in my eight-plus
years of coaching,’’ Jackson said. “And she doesn’t
put herself above others.’’
Also exemplifying Case’s unselfishness is Rozek’s move to catcher
after playing shortstop last season. Rozek hit .301 and scored 11 runs.
Horlick
COACH: Jim Visor, 22nd season.
LAST SEASON: 5-15 overall, 3-11 Southeast Conference. Lost to Greenfield 11-3
in the first-round WIAA Division 1 regional.
THIS SEASON: Horlick is 3-4.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Seniors — Samantha Stratman, lf; Ali Klawinski,
3b; Lauren Bellewske, c; Audrey Braatz, p; Nicole Prucha, cf; Jessica Fiebig,
rf. Juniors — Maggie Yale, 1b; Amelia Willis, 2b; Danielle Lewis, of;
Nicole Pitchford, if. Sophomores — Allysa Doperalski, of; Chistian Camarga,
if; Kayla Klawinski, of.
KEY NEWCOMERS: Sophomore — Crystal Snow, ss. Freshman — Kelsey
Anderson, 2b.
OUTLOOK: The Rebels return one of the county’s top players in Stratman,
a three-time first-team All-Southeast Conference player who hit .342 with
16 RBIs and nine steals. She also threw out two players at the plate and committed
just two errors in 20 games.
“She can hit with power, she can run and she can slap and drag,’’
Visor said.
Other top players include Klawinski (.212, 9 RBIs), Bellewske (.242, 11 RBIs),
Yale (.211, 5 RBIs) and Braatz (5-15, 4.18 ERA).
Park
COACH: Greg Nyboe, 13th season.
LAST SEASON: 8-13 overall, 5-8 in the Southeast Conference. Lost to Waterford
4-3 in 10 innings in a WIAA Division 1 regional semifinal.
THIS SEASON: Park is 1-6.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Seniors — Stacy Bahr, p; Jessica Jensen, of;
Samantha Melendez, of. Juniors — Megan Burgess, 2b-3b; Lauren Kamm,
ss; Megan Naegeli, 1b; Mary Nordstrom, c.
KEY NEWCOMERS: Senior — Ruth White, 1b-dh. Juniors — Katie Francour,
3b-ss; Stephanie Meier, of-c. Sophomore — Breanne Hart, cf.
OUTLOOK: In Park’s first six games, it has lost two games 2-1, two 1-0
and one 3-2. Does Nyboe at least take consolation in the fact that his team
has been so competitive?
“It’s a moral victory, but you’d rather have wins than moral
victories,’’ he said. “All we need to get is that one hit
we’re not getting. Stacy Bahr is pitching about as well as you can pitch.
We’re just not scoring runs for her.’’
Through Park’s first five games, Bahr was 0-5, but had a 0.74 ERA. Last
year, she had a 2.06 ERA, but went 8-11.
Park’s top returning hitter is Kamm, who hit .375 and scored 12 runs.
After her, Nyboe will be looking for production from White and other promising
newcomers.
Catholic Central
COACH: Bill Greskiw, 11th season.
LAST SEASON: 13-7 overall, 10-2 in the Midwest Classic Conference. Lost to
Racine Lutheran 12-1 in a first-round WIAA Division 4 regional game.
THIS SEASON: Catholic Central is 3-3.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Senior — Lauren Aldrich, p. Juniors —
Allison Smith, 1b-p; Kali Elderbrook, 3b; Mary Kopier, rf. Sophomores —
Morgan Aldrich, 2b; Annie Henrichs, cf.
KEY NEWCOMER: Junior — Chelsey Dangelser, c. Sophomore — Taun
Epping, ss.
OUTLOOK: Forget the .500 record so far. Greskiw has a way of developing his
teams slowly until they develop into a force.
“I think we’re going to start a little slow, but I’ve probably
got more athletic ability than any other team I ever had,’’ said
Greskiw, who led the Lady Toppers to the 2004 WIAA Division 4 state championship.
“We don’t have the superstars this year, but I expect big contributions
all the way down the line.’’
Start with Lauren Aldrich, who went 7-5 with a 1.49 ERA and hit .255 with
11 runs. Other top returning performers include Kopier (.314, 14 RBIs), Smith
(6-2, 1.98 ERA), Elderbrook (.250), Morgan Aldrich (.242, 18 runs) and Henrichs
(.311, 11 runs).
Racine Lutheran
COACH: Becky Demuth, third season.
LAST SEASON: 15-8 overall, 7-5 in the Midwest Classic Conference. Lost to
Williams Bay 10-7 in a WIAA Division 4 regional championship.
THIS SEASON: Lutheran is 2-4-1.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Seniors — Allison Barker, ss; Becky Behling,
rf; Kristen DeYoung, lf; Jessica Gilboy, cf-p; Katie Heaney, p-2b; Sam Meyer,
c. Juniors — Amber Demuth, 2b-cf; Susannah Rote, 1b. Sophomore —
Brittany Meyer, 3b.
OUTLOOK: What are the Crusaders capable of following a breakthrough season
which saw them set a program record for victories (14)? Considering Lutheran
has been moved up from Division 4 to Division 3, the challenge will be more
difficult, but Demuth likes the prospects with so many talented players.
“We wish we were off to a better start, but we’re playing better
teams,’’ Demuth said. “We hope we can do what we did last
year.’’
Leading the way is Sam Meyer, coming off a spectacular season in which she
hit .500 with a school-record 37 hits, drove in 40 runs, hit six homers and
stole 14 bases. She will again be catching Heaney, who went 14-7 with a 2.99
ERA, struck out a school record 94 and hit .308 with 27 RBIs.
Other top returnees include Barker (.407, 26 RBIs) and Brittany Meyer (.369,
18 RBIs).
St. Catherine’s
COACH: Mary Kasinski, second season.
LAST SEASON: 12-10 overall, 5-6 in the Lakeshore Conference. Lost to Union
Grove 4-0 in a WIAA Division 2 regional championship.
THIS SEASON: St. Catherine’s is 4-3.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Seniors — Anne Totero, 1b; Leah Grow, cf; Sarah
Heusdens, 3b-ss. Juniors — Karen Kasinski, p; Lauren Roszkowski, c;
Becky Staples, 3b. Sophomores — Kayla McClure, 1b-rf; Kim Grajera, 2b.
KEY NEWCOMER: Junior — Hillary Becker, utility.
OUTLOOK: Kasinski leads this group after going 12-10 with a 1.37 ERA and striking
out 207 in 157 innings. She also hit .342 with 21 RBIs.
“I feel she’s probably one of the top pitchers in the state, if
not the top,’’ said Jerry Kasinski, St. Catherine’s assistant
coach who is Karen’s father. “Everybody who plays softball knows
who Karen is. If we give her support, we can go a long way.’’
Last year, St. Catherine’s lost eight one-run games and have lost two
by that margin this season. At least the potential is there for St. Catherine’s
to have a productive offense behind Kasinski, Totero (.323, 15 RBIs) and Heusdens
(.274).
Union Grove
COACH: Scott Katterhagen, fifth season.
LAST SEASON: 19-5 overall, 7-2 in the Lakeshore Conference. Lost to Greendale
3-2 in a WIAA Division 2 sectional semifinal.
THIS SEASON: Union Grove is 6-2.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Seniors — Amanda Murdoch, 3b; Erin McGrath,
lf. Juniors — Sam Howe, c; Kristyn Hansen, p; Tricia O’Keefe,
1b; Kayla Zeisse, 2b; Maria Osmundsen, ss.
KEY NEWCOMERS: Sophomore — Robyn Mueller, cf.
OUTLOOK: Union Grove is breaking in a number of young players and there have
been growing pains, especially with errors. But as long as Hansen, the All-Racine
County Player of the Year as a sophomore last season, is on the mound, this
team is going to be more than competitive.
Hansen went 19-3 with an 0.63 ERA, with 154 strikeouts in 131 1/3 innings.
She also hit .358 with 10 doubles and 17 RBIs.
“We lost four starters and that’s hard to replace,’’
Katterhagen said. “We’ve got a lot of young girls, but we should
be strong in the conference and make a run in the regionals and sectionals,’’
“It didn’t go to her head at all,” Katterhagen said of Hansen.
“She worked hard all summer and traveled all over the United States
playing softball.’’
Waterford
COACH: Jill Stobber, eight season.
LAST SEASON: 10-11 overall, 5-6 in the Lakeshore Conference. Lost to Muskego
in a WIAA Division 1 regional championship.
THIS SEASON: Waterford is 0-2.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Seniors — Ashley Engler, ss; Megan Chart, 2b;
Rachel Corrao, of; Kim Larsen, of. Juniors — Katie Bartling, c; Bri
Ellie, p-of. Sophomore — Dani Burke, p.
KEY NEWCOMERS: Sophomore — Mikayla Chart, 3b; Taylor Azarian, cf; Alyssa
Schutthelm, 1b.
OUTLOOK: There are some returning established players, most notably Chart
(.356), Bartling (.333 on-base average), Engler (.235) and Ellie (4-6-1, 2.06
ERA). With those four serving as the nucleus, Stobber feels a generally inexperienced
team will eventually become a factor.
“We’re starting potentially four sophomores,’’ she
said. “But it’s a tight-knit group that’s going to be very
successful. We’re just going to have to go through growing pains. There’s
a lot of energy and drive and they’re willing to make mistakes and learn
from them.’’
Shoreland Lutheran
COACH: Tim Treder, third season.
LAST SEASON: 11-10 overall, 7-5 in the Midwest Classic Conference. Lost to
Greendale Martin Luther 8-2 in a WIAA Division 3 regional semifinal.
THIS SEASON: Shoreland Lutheran is 4-2.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Senior — Lindsay Burditt, 3b. Juniors —
Alyssa Bahr, cf; Megan Peterson, 2b; Kaitlyn Biggs, ss. Sophomore —
Rochelle Willkomm, p.
KEY NEWCOMERS: Freshmen — Kim Gall, 1b; A.J. Naumann, lf-p; Brittanny
Bahr, c.
OUTLOOK: There’s plenty of firepower with the likes of Bahr (.450),
18 RBIs), Peterson (.571, 17 RBIs) and Burditt (.327, 14 RBIs). Willkomm also
can be dominant as a pitcher, averaging 1.2 strikeouts per inning last year.
“We’re a very athletic team and we hit the ball very well,’’
Treder said. “If we can limit teams to three outs per inning, we’ll
be able to compete with any team in our conference.’’
Back to Top
Sitzmann's pitching makes team complete
By Dan VanderPas
Post-Crescent assistant sports editor
APPLETON * Krissy Hanson's scouting report on Appleton North junior pitcher
Biz Sitzmann touches all the bases.
"We were a little nervous when the season started because with Biz coming
in, we weren't exactly sure," said Hanson, a senior shortstop on North's
undefeated softball team.
"Biz has really worked hard to get where she is," Hanson added.
"She has played the game forever. All of us trust each other. She is
able to move the ball everywhere on the plate, and her changeup will kill
you every time."
Elizabeth (Biz) Sitzmann has picked up where North star pitcher Amy Lossel-
yong left off last year. Lossel- yong, The Post-Crescent's all-area softball
player of the year last spring, helped the Lightning win the WIAA Division
1 state championship. Now, it's Biz's turn to make her pitch with the help
of a lot of experienced teammates.
With eight of nine starters returning to a team that took the D-1's grand
prize with a 2-1 win over Oak Creek in Madison last June 11, expectations
are soaring at North this year.
The numbers tell the story:
n North is off to an 8-0 start (all Fox Valley Association games).
n The State Fastpitch Chronicle ranks the Lightning No. 1 in Division 1.
n The team has outscored its opponents 50-15.
n Hanson is hitting about .476, Becky Roehl and Gretchen Ratajczak are at
.389, Keeley Schroeder is at .387, and Jenny Ciske is at .357. The team is
batting .350.
"We knew we could score runs,'' said fourth-year coach Reed Rudie, whose
coaching record is 54-8 in the FVA and 70-11 overall. "At the start of
the year I said, 'Now we can start winning by scores of 5-3 or 5-4.' "
To compete in area fastpitch softball, pitching is a prerequisite. Last year,
the fireballing Losselyong was the class of the FVA with Kaukauna's Leah Vanevenhoven.
She was intense. Her fastball reached 62 mph or so. Most of the time, she
was untouchable, compiling a 22-2 record with 212 strikeouts.
This year, Rudie knew his team would play good defense as well as hit. Then,
junior Sitzmann stepped to the mound and the final piece of the winning puzzle
emerged.
"I was a little shaky when we opened against Neenah (a 6-4 win on April
4)," Sitzmann said. "I think it was nerves. They started hitting
me and we had some errors."
During a 9-6 win over Appleton East on Tuesday, Sitzmann was touched for nine
hits, but allowed only one baserunner during the final two innings.
"She didn't have her best stuff Tuesday," Rudie said. "East
hit the ball well. Roehl helped us with her fourth triple of the year."
As the state's top-ranked team and the defending state champion, North knows
everyone is out to burst its bubble. But so far, it has prevailed.
"We try not to compare this year's team to last year's," Hanson
said. "This is a new year for us and our goal is to get back there (to
state). I am working extra hard and trying to lead by example. I want to keep
everyone confident. We want to end our season with a win (in the state finals)."
Sitzmann pitched 48 of her team's first 49 innings and allowed only four earned
runs. Her velocity keeps improving and she's focused. North is doing so well
this year that Rudie isn't worried about losing.
"Last year, our goal was to go undefeated,'' he said. "If you don't
do that, you set yourself up for a loss."
Win or lose, though, North is showing what softball is all about. The Lightning
is playing hard and it is having fun. Players get along.
"Softball can be stressful at times,'' Rudie said. "But it's a labor
of love. It's a blast being around a group of kids like this.''
By Brett Christopherson
Post-Crescent staff writer
Spring sport: Softball
Grade: Senior
GPA: 3.74
Favorite TV show: "CSI." I like all of them.
Favorite meal: Probably steak and rice. Popcorn shrimp.
If I could recommend a movie it would be: "Sweet Home Alabama."
I just like the plot * a small town person making it big. Hobbies: Four-wheeling,
snowmobiling, being outside, playing sports.
Career aspiration: I'm going to Gill-Tech Academy to cut hair.
Q: What's Gill-Tech?
A: It's an academy of hair design in downtown Appleton.
Q: Why the interest in hair design?
A: I've been doing that forever. I love to cut hair. You can do different
things with it, whatever ideas you have. It's kind of like art. You can play
around with it and see what you can make.
Q: Isn't it scary to create "art" on a person's head?
A: It's just like different haircuts. (Laughing) It always grows back.
Q: What's your long-term career goal?
A: I would like to own my own salon one day. When I gain enough clients, I'll
go out on my own.
Q: Stockbridge High School has an enrollment of 89 students. Do you enjoy
the small school atmosphere?
A: It's all one building, from kinder garten through 12th grade. I really
like it because you get a lot of one-on-one with teachers. You're not known
as a number. In a lot of other schools, you're known as a face. Here, they
know about you. Everybody is so close together.
Q: Your home is out in the country. What's the best part about growing up
in that type of setting?
A: I wouldn't really like living in town because it seems like it's so close
to everybody. You step out and right there are your neighbors. Here, you have
room to enjoy yourself. Every family has their own space. You can do more
things in the country.
Q: So I take it you'll never be a city girl?
A: (Laughing) Probably not.
Whether
on or off the field, Poynette's Nicole Graeve is a big hit
By Dennis Semrau - The Capital Times Newspaper - Madison
Nicole
Graeve, a senior at Poynette High School is a four year-letterwinner
in softball and a three-year starter. She was the leading hitter in the 2005
state tournament regardless of what division of play you look at. She batted
.667 in the tournament and had two huge RBI that led to Poynette’s second
state title. Graeve, an outfielder has alternated between right field and
left field this season depending on who the starting pitcher is on any given
day for Poynette. For two years she started every game in rightfield. Graeve
has played on three straight conference championship teams and currently leads
an Indian team that has a three-game lead in the conference race with just
four games yet to play. She earned second team all conference honors as a
sophomore and was a unanimous all conference selection in 2005. Nicole was
named to the All State Tournament team by The Fastpitch Chronicle in 2005.
She was a two-time letterwinner in volleyball as well as an outside hitter
for the Indians. She earned first-team all SCC honors in volleyball last fall
and was named her teams’ MVP.
Graeve has an accumulated GPA of 4.164 on a 4.0 scale. Here are some other
facts about her.
Favorite Subject: English
Three words to describe me: hard-working, competitive, friendly
How I got started in sports: She started competing in basketball
in second grade, in softball in sixth grade and in volleyball in seventh grade.
I wish I could play: Tennis
My most memorable moment in sports was: finishing unbeaten
and winning the state softball title my junior year.
I enjoy high school sports because: of the camaraderie with
my teammates and being able to compete.
My role models are: My parents, Paul and Lisa Graeve.
The rest of my immediate family includes: my sister Danielle.
Favorite team: Wisconsin Badgers
Favorite movie: Shakespeare in Love
Favorite TV Show: Gray’s Anatomy
Favorite Sport to watch on TV: Beach volleyball
Favorite place to visit: Mexico
I want to visit: Greece
I listen to: Classic Rock
Words to live by: “Never let the fear of striking out
keep you from playing the game.”
Favorite Restaurant: Olive Garden
I drive: a 2000, Grand Prix GT
I like to read: Harry Potter series
I can’t live without: my books
I like Poynette High School because: it is small enough that
you get to know a lot of different people in different classes.
Nickname: Nick
I wish I could meet: Susan B. Anthony
My favorite opponent is: Horicon
My perfect day would be: Sleeping late and then spending
the rest of the day at the beach with my friends.
This and that: National Merit Scholarship semi-finalist …
class President sophomore, junor and senior years … president of Student
Council … member of Varsity Club … vice president of National
Honor Society chapter … member of Spanish National Honor Society and
Spanish Club … earned second team all conference honors on math team
… named first-team all conference at art show … community service
work includes National. Honor Society food drive, Relay for Life, St. Mary’s
Hospital, St. Thomas Church and working at Poynette summer softball clinics
… hobbies include drawing, playing tennis.
Post High School plans: attend University of Wisconsin-Madison
Career: psychology
From worst Case to first
Eagles' softball team no longer a doormat
By
ROB REISCHEL
Special to the Journal Sentinel
Posted: May 1, 2006
Kate Ricchio remembers when the Racine Case girls softball
team was the butt of many jokes. And, to be honest, the Eagles were giving
their critics plenty of material.
Advertisement
Between 1990 and 2004, Case never won more than eight games in a season. And
from 2002-'04, the Eagles averaged just four victories per year.
"We were a laughingstock," said Ricchio, the Eagles' senior star. "We were winning four games a year. That's a laughingstock."
These days, it's Case that's getting the last laugh.
The Eagles have stormed to a 9-2 overall record and are tied for the Southeast Conference lead with a 6-1 mark. They routed defending state finalist Oak Creek, 12-2, last week in a game that was stopped after five innings. And Case appears on track to reach the state tournament for the first time since 1987.
"I remember when I first got to the varsity, the program was not looked on with much respect," said senior catcher Jen Rozek, a three-year letter-winner.
"But today, people are talking about us in school. We get a lot more people at our games and we're really getting a lot more respect."
Rightfully so.
Through 11 games, the Eagles have outscored their opponents, 64-10. Case has allowed just four earned runs all season. And confidence is oozing from the Eagles' pores.
"I don't think we're state champs yet, but we're on our way to being just that," Ricchio said. "Right now, we're doing awesome. We're kicking butt."
Few players in the state are doing that more than Ricchio herself.
Ricchio, who just this week signed a national letter of intent to play for Toledo, has a 5-1 record with an eye-popping 0.35 earned run average. In 40 innings pitched, she has struck out 41 batters and walked just three. Ricchio has been equally impressive at the plate, batting .600 with 14 RBI and three triples.
"She's the hardest-working girl I've ever been around," second-year coach Damon Jackson said. "She's consistently working on her footwork, her bat, her base-running, you name it. She's a cut above the rest."
Amazingly, though, Ricchio is just half of the Eagles' lights-out pitching rotation. Sophomore Alissa Koch, a 6-foot-1 fireballer, has been just as impressive on the hill and Rozek calls her the Eagles' best pitcher.
Koch, whose pitches have been clocked as fast as 62 mph, is 4-1 with a 0.42 ERA. In just 33 innings, Koch has 59 strikeouts - a remarkable average of 1.79 per inning - including 15 against Racine Park.
"She's got five pitches in her arsenal," Jackson said of Koch. "She's going to get better and better."
Case's success has been a total team effort, though.
Rozek is hitting .357 with seven RBI. Sophomore third baseman Kristin Haigh is batting .429 and sophomore first baseman Sarah Jacobson is hitting .296.
Case has gotten both leadership and production from its seven seniors. A fantastic group of sophomores has given the program a boost. And Jackson has been a stern but fair leader.
"I'm a whole lot more demanding than what they're used to, but in good ways," Jackson said. "I treat this like my classroom. You demand the best, you get the best."
Which is just what he has gotten. And Case insists it's not close to being finished.
"I have no doubt we're going to go to state," said Rozek, who will play next year at Central Missouri. "That's our goal and we're not settling for anything less. We want to go out with a bang."
And a laugh along the way.
From
the May 2, 2006 editions of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Medford's Nikki Beyer had a great week
Medford's Nikki Beyer was simply dominant and overpowering in
Thursday's Lumberjack Conference softball game with Ashland. Beyer fired a
no-hitter and struck out 15 Oredockers, and the first 13 outs recorded were
by strikeouts as the Raiders scored a 7-0 victory at LumberJill Field. "That
was probably the best team we played all year," Ashland coach Tim Hicks
said of the Raiders. "That was definitely the best pitcher we've seen
by far. She's tough, and she was tough today and threw strikes. We swung at
some bad pitches, and that didn't help either." Medford coach Virgil
Berndt said Beyer has been really in a groove
lately.
Offseason commitment sparks revival at Memorial
By Bobbi Snethen, Special to The Capital Times
April 28, 2006
Although a variety of sports teams from Madison Memorial have worn a target on their back in the race for Big Eight Conference titles over the past few years, the Spartans' varsity softball program has been excluded from this game of chase for quite some time.
Until this season, that is.
When marketing teacher Patrick Joyce became the Spartans' head softball coach prior to the start of the 2004 season, he knew that turning around the program's fortunes would be no easy task.
After all, in 2003 Memorial didn't win a game.
It was more of the same in Joyce's first season, as his squad went 0-20.
"We had come into the season with an 0-43 start last year," said Joyce.
Those past woes didn't hold down the Spartans, however, and in 2005 a 6-15 record spawned a resurgence of the program as players became more committed to the sport.
"They decided they got sick of losing," said Joyce.
Not only did members of the team compete in a variety of summer leagues and in a fall league in Verona in an attempt to improve their skills, but many also traveled to Appleton every other Sunday during the winter months to play indoors.
"When you can bring in a group and start working before the season even starts, I think this has only proven to me that you need to work year-round and work as a team," said Joyce. "You have these kids who are dual or triple athletes ... and to get them to play on a Sunday, on their off day, is a huge commitment from these players. I give them all the credit in the world."
This season, the Spartans have surprised opponents - and maybe even themselves.
Memorial started its 2006 campaign 5-0 as it not only defeated conference rival Madison La Follette, but also snapped Poynette's 29-game winning streak.
"My freshman and sophomore year we were like 'Oh, it's just another game,' " said senior third baseman Colleen Joyce, the daughter of the coach and a four-year member of the varsity squad who is a co-captain this season. "And now it's like, 'OK, we're really going to work hard and win this game.' "
Joining Colleen Joyce as a senior co-captain is first baseman Amy Andersen-Goldsworthy, another four-year member of the varsity squad whose diligence has paid off in the form of on-field success.
"The first season was tough, going winless again," Andersen-Goldsworthy said of Patrick Joyce's first year as coach. "But his attitude has been amazing and he cares so much about us.. ... He wants it for us."
The Spartans' undefeated streak was snapped in a 6-2, 10-inning loss to Middleton on April 18.
"They played a perfect game against us," Patrick Joyce said. "They were flawless, they didn't have any errors defensively and (Lisa Thomas) pitched a real gem of a game to us."
And even though Memorial's losing streak has been extended to three games by losses to Madison East (7-3 last Thursday) and Janesville Parker (8-6 in nine innings Tuesday), the Spartans' upbeat outlook hasn't changed.
"We talked about it the week we were undefeated, about how we've always been the one chasing the team with the target on their back. Now we seem to be the one wearing the target," Patrick Joyce said.
Memorial (6-2 overall) is ranked 15th in Division 1 by The Fastpitch Chronicle.
"We are having a ton of fun this season," said Andersen-Goldsworthy. "We just get along so well. ... And we would love to go to state."
Hortonville girls show team unity
By Tim Froberg
Post-Crescent staff writer
HORTONVILLE — In softball, a walk is nothing more than a free pass to first base.
To Jodi Wickersheim and her Hortonville softball teammates, the walk they will take Sunday is a much bigger deal.
The entire Polar Bears team, including head coach Gil Hart and his wife, Annette, will participate in the annual "Make Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk," a national, non-competitive 5K walk along Milwaukee's lakefront to raise awareness and dollars in the fight against breast cancer.
Wickersheim has a special interest in the event, and her teammates have rallied around her. Last fall, Jodi's mother, Marylee Wickersheim, was diagnosed with breast cancer. She has completed her chemotherapy treatments, is recovering well and has been given a good prognosis.
But the whole process has been difficult on the Wickersheim family.
"It's been rough and it's been long," said Jodi, a junior and a starting left fielder for the unbeaten Polar Bears. "Her hair is growing back and, hopefully, she's all cancer-free. We're all just trying to get over it. It's brought us very, very close together."
Jodi, her sister, Keli, a Marquette University student, and a few of Keli's friends planned to participate in the walk. But once Jodi's teammates found out about it, they agreed to swap their cleats for sneakers and join her.
"It was mostly their idea," Jodi said. "They said, 'Hey, let's do it as a team.' I know the Hoewisches have had cancer in their pasts and a lot of other people have had cancer in their pasts, so we're all coming together and working as a team. It's very touching."
On the field, the 12-0 Polar Bears (9-0 in the Valley 8) have put together a terrific season and are rated eighth in the Wisconsin High School Fastpitch Division 1 rankings. Off the field, the qualities they are showing in their support for Wickersheim — kindness, empathy and compassion — are even more impressive.
"It doesn't surprise me that everyone wanted to do it because of the character of these kids," Hart said. "They do a lot of things together and a lot of things for the community. I'm proud of them."
Back to Top
Mounders mainstay
Elk Mound pitcher Beaulieu continues to mow down Dunn-St.
Croix
Joe Ziemer
Leader-Telegram Staff - May 11, 2006
ELK MOUND — One constant for the Elk Mound softball team during past
four years is Kyrah Beaulieu in the pitching circle.
Beaulieu has been the Mounders’ No. 1 pitcher since her freshman year. She has been an All-Dunn-St. Croix Conference selection in each of her first three varsity seasons.
Now a senior, Beaulieu has led Elk Mound to a 13-3 overall record and an 8-3 mark in Dunn-St. Croix play.
When it comes to the softball diamond, Beaulieu has pretty much seen it all.
“I’ve played a lot of ball,” said Beaulieu, who plays almost year-round on various teams. “I’ve seen a lot of teams and a lot of batters.”
She’s also seen a lot of wins and a lot of strikeouts. Beaulieu has a 56-29 career record to go along with a 1.59 ERA. She has logged 472q innings — in which she has struck out 411 batters.
“She’s in charge out there,” third-year Elk Mound coach Kari Kallio said. “She has that attitude out there on the mound.”
Beaulieu has been the Mounders’ ace longer than Kallio has been their coach. Kallio was Elk Mound’s JV coach when Beaulieu earned first team all-conference honors as a freshman.
When Kallio moved up to varsity for Beaulieu’s sophomore season, she knew she had the foundation of a winning team.
“I knew what she was capable of doing. I knew I had a good pitcher,” Kallio said. “In high school, 80 percent of it is having a good pitcher. I knew if I had a good pitcher, and I had her for three years, we’d have a pretty exciting team.”
Beaulieu followed up her successful freshman campaign by earning a place on the All-Dunn-St. Croix second team as a sophomore.
Then came her junior season. Beaulieu went 16-7 with a 1.35 ERA, earning first team all-conference. She struck out 120 batters and walked 13. In her career she has 411 strikeouts and 78 walks.
“I preach to her all the time that she needs to get ahead of batters,” Kallio said. “When you have a pitcher who can throw different pitches, it’s imperative you get on top in the count. Then you can use those pitches to keep hitters off balance.”
Beaulieu is a low-ball pitcher with a myriad of pitches. In addition her fastball, she also throws a dropball, a riseball, a changeup and a curveball. Beaulieu relied on her fastball early in her career but has since refined the rest of her arsenal.
“My dropball is probably my best pitch,” Beaulieu said. “If it does get hit, nine out of 10 times, it’s going to be popped up or it’s going to be a slow grounder that we can field.”
Unquestionably the team’s top hurler — she’s 11-3 this season with a 1.47 ERA — Beaulieu also is one of Elk Mound’s top hitting threats. A middle of the order hitter, she batted .301 with 11 RBIs as a junior. This season, she is hitting at a .435 clip.
“She’s looked up to, not just because of her leadership skills but because of her ability,” Kallio said. “I think a lot of kids try to emulate her because she really takes her softball training to a high level and wants to become the best player she can be.”
Next season, Beaulieu play at UW-Stevens Point, leaving a void in the Elk Mound pitching circle.
“I don’t think you replace a Kyrah Beaulieu,” Kallio said. “It takes a special kid to be that confident in herself and have that ability to year after year dominate. We haven’t always had dominant teams, but she’s been a dominant pitcher.”
Ziemer can be reached evenings at 833-9210, (800) 236-7077 or joe.ziemer@ecpc.com.
Kimberly softball has reason to cheer
By Dan VanderPas
Post-Crescent assistant sports editor
They certainly weren't boisterous fans last Saturday at Appleton East's Prust
Field.
But the Kimberly girls wanted to make their presence felt by politely backing
Appleton East when it met Appleton North last Saturday in a Fox Valley Association
softball game.
Appleton East upset North 6-0, giving Kimberly the undisputed FVA title with
a 16-2 record. Kimberly's only two losses in the FVA were to North, which
finished at 15-3. Kimberly plays at Hortonville at 4:30 p.m. today in a WIAA
regional final.
"Basically, we went there to cheer on East," Kimberly senior outfielder
Cara Salm said. "We didn't want to be sassy or loud fans. But for Appleton
East to win that game and for us to finish on top was awesome."
It was Kimberly's first FVA crown since 1996. Fourth-year Kimberly coach Bill
Weyers said the bottom line was consistency.
"The whole year we were consistent," he said. "We beat the
teams we should have beaten. We were consistent, and that's a sign of a good
team."
Another asset for the Papermakers during the FVA season was that someone always
stepped up to deliver a key hit or pitching performance. Senior pitcher Heather
Johnson lost only two games all season.
"I usually tend to hit my corners a lot," she said. "I throw
a riseball with a lot of other pitches mixed in."
Besides Salm and Johnson, Danielle Pozolinski, Jaclyn Lamers, Jenna Whitehead,
Dani Peerenboom and Claudia Harke were key performers.
"I took over as coach from Mary Hammen and I still confide in her,"
said Weyers, a 1989 Kimberly High graduate who teaches at the middle school.
"In the FVA, we had the defending state champs (Appleton North) this
year. Some very good pitchers graduated, but I think the FVA is one of the
toughest conferences in the state for softball."
Racine County Preview for 2007
Prep softball
preview: A couple of aces hope for winning hands
Category: General
BY PETER JACKEL
Journal Times
It’s
the last hurrah for Kristyn Hansen and Karen Kasinski, two of the most successful
high school softball pitchers from Racine County. And they’re not about
to move on without leaving something memorable behind.
Hansen, the 2005 All-Racine County Player of the Year as a sophomore at Union
Grove, is coming off a season in which she went 15-5 with a 1.30 earned run
average and struck out 199 in 135 innings. Kasinski dominated for St. Catherine’s
once again last season, going 15-10 with an 0.77 ERA and striking out 302
in 179 innings. Both have one last shot to get their teams to the state tournament
and both are said to be looking better than ever.
Meanwhile, Case is off to a 2-0 start behind the pitching of Alissa Koch and
Waterford figures to be a strong contender with seven returning starters.
Here is a look at the nine county softball teams:
Burlington
TEAM NICKNAME: Demons.
CONFERENCE: Southeast.
COACH: Heather Mielke, third season.
LAST YEAR’S RECORD: 16-7 overall, 7-6 SEC, tied for fourth. Lost to
Kenosha Bradford 3-0 in a WIAA Division 1 sectional semifinal.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Seniors — Amanda Kretschmer, 1b; Erin Wasilevich,
cf; Shauna Riggs, 2b; Rachel Vos, utility. Junior — Jessica Spitzer,
ss.
PROMISING NEWCOMERS: Juniors — Stephanie Schafer, 3b; Megan Kuchenbecker,
utility. Sophomore — Amanda Hilgers, utility. Freshmen — Ashley
Carr, p; Page Murphy, c; Jessica Williams, of.
OUTLOOK: Spitzer is coming off a phenomenal season, during which she hit .495
with five doubles, eight triples, four homers and 23 RBIs. Other proven returnees
include Riggs (.384, 18 RBIs, 26 runs) and Wasilevich (.285, 12-14 stolen
bases).
The Demons will likely need to generate runs considering their long-time pitching
stalwart, Carly Gueldenzopf, has graduated. Carr appears to be her replacement
even though she’s only a freshman. She will be joined by two other freshmen,
Murphy and Williams, as regulars on a team that graduated five starters.
“We’re going to be young, but we have a lot of talent in the program,
so it’s just a matter of getting them to gel together,” Mielke
said.
Racine Case
TEAM NICKNAME: Eagles.
CONFERENCE: Southeast.
COACH: Damon Jackson, third season.
LAST YEAR’S RECORD: 15-6 overall, 10-3 SEC, second. Lost to South Milwaukee
7-3 in a WIAA Division 1 regional championship.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Seniors — Alyssa Cryer, 2b; Katie Fliess, c.
Juniors — Alissa Koch, p; Sarah Jacobson, 1b. Sophomores — Jenni
Klamm, cf; Jena Roscizewski, 2b; Maggie Prioletta, ss.
PROMISING
NEWCOMERS: Sophomore — Patty Houf, 3b; Amanda Bartel, rf; Alyssa Celeste,
lf. Freshman — Alexis Ayers, 3b.
OUTLOOK: Jackson, who lost All-Racine County Player of the Year Kate Ricchio
to graduation, will try to maintain Case’s upward trend with a roster
that includes nine sophomores and two freshmen. That transition will be helped
greatly by Koch, who went 9-4 with an 0.928 earned run average and also hit
.295 with 15 RBIs. She will be backed by a cast headed by Jacobson (.317,
5 RBIs) and Fliess (.239, 8 RBIs).
“The way the younger girls have responded to playing at the varsity
level is blowing me away,” said Jackson, whose team is off to a 2-0
start. “Seeing the way they have reacted the last two games against
good competition is a pleasant surprise.”
Catholic Central
TEAM NICKNAME: Lady Toppers.
CONFERENCE: Midwest Classic.
COACH: Bill Greskiw, 12th season.
LAST YEAR’S RECORD: 10-10 overall, 6-1 MCC, first place.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Seniors — Allison Smith, p; Chelsey Dangelser,
c; Mary Kopier, of; Kali Elderbrook, 3b. Juniors — Morgan Aldrich, 2b;
Annie Henrichs, cf. Sophomores — Michelle Smith, ss; Keena Schneider,
lf.
PROMISING NEWCOMERS: Juniors — Valerie Ketterhagen, of; Sarah Tasch,
of-c.
OUTLOOK: The Lady Toppers have a proven pitcher in Allison Smith (2-3, 3.09
ERA), but offense is a real concern. Smith also is the Lady Toppers’
best returning hitter (.333, 10 RBIs), but no other returning starter hit
better than .245 last season.
“The biggest question will be our hitting,” Greskiw said. “In
the last two years, we’ve struggled to break the .250 mark as a team.
Even with good young athletes, hitting is the toughest thing to do in sports
and only time will tell. This year, we’ll look to Aldrich and Henrichs
to get things started at the top of the order.”
Racine Horlick
TEAM NICKNAME: Rebels.
CONFERENCE: Southeast.
COACH: Jim Visor, 21st season.
LAST YEAR’S RECORD: 5-14 overall, 3-9 SEC, ninth place. Lost to South
Milwaukee 13-0 in a WIAA Division 1 regional semifinal
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Senior — Denielle Lewis, of. Juniors —
Kayla Klawinski, 1b-of; Alyssa Doperalski, of; Crystal Snow, if-p. Sophomore
— Kelsey Anderson, 2b
PROMISING NEWCOMERS: Sophomore — Jenny Falendysz, ss-of; Ashley Kirchner,
3b; Samantha Prochaska, p; Alex Cruz, p. Freshman — Bryana Kortendick,
c-1b.
OUTLOOK: The challenge is to regroup, especially after losing three-time All-County
outfielder Samantha Stratman and pitcher Audrey Braatz, who pitched all but
a handful of innings last season. The Rebels’ top returnee figures to
be Snow, who hit .234 as the leadoff hitter last season with a .450 on-base
average with six doubles and two triples. Snow is also a possibility to replace
Braatz as the Rebels’ top pitcher along with Prochaska and Cruz.
Visor will try to manufacture runs with an aggressive offense, which he says
in a trend in the SEC.
“Probably half of the league will use girls who are slappers and draggers,”
Visor said. “That will put everybody’s defense to the test. Pitching
throughout the conference will be very strong and teams will be hard-pressed
to put the ball in play.”
Racine Park
TEAM NICKNAME: Panthers.
CONFERENCE: Southeast.
COACH: Greg Nyboe, 14th season.
LAST YEAR’S RECORD: 6-15 overall, 2-11 SEC, tied for eighth. Lost to
Muskego 5-0 in a WIAA Division 1 regional semifinal.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Seniors — Megan Burgess, 3b-2b; Katie Francour,
of; Lauren Kamm, ss; Therese Kratowicz, p; Stephanie Meier, of-c; Megan Naegeli,
1b-2b; Mary Nordstrom, c-1b. Juniors — Breanne Hart, cf; Jessica Kirt,
of-2b.
PROMISING NEWCOMERS: Juniors — Ashleigh Sandbach, 3b; Jocelyn Adamczyk,
of.
OUTLOOK: Question No. 1: Who’s going to replace pitching ace Stacy Bahr,
who had a 1.73 earned run average last season? Question No. 2: Can the Panthers
do something about what was a dismal offense last season?
Replacing Bahr is the promising Kratowicz, who went 2-5 with a 4.32 ERA after
Bahr was injured last season. As for the Panthers’ offense, the potential
is there with returnees that include Kamm (.241, 6 stolen bases, 9 runs),
Naegeli (.263, 8 RBIs) and Nordstrom (.302, 6 RBIs).
“We’re doing all kinds of things just to be more aggressive,”
Nyboe said. “Our problem last year was not getting the ball in play
at opportune times. Without seeing live pitching so far, we’ve been
pretty aggressive in the cage, but that’s against a machine.”
Racine Lutheran
TEAM NICKNAME: Crusaders.
CONFERENCE: Midwest Classic.
COACH: Becky Demuth, fourth season.
LAST YEAR’S RECORD: 7-12-1 overall, 4-3 in the Midwest Classic, third
place. Lost to Beloit Turner 3-1 in a WIAA Division 3 regional semifinal.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Seniors — Amber Demuth, c; Susannah Rote, 1b.
Juniors — Brittany Meyer, ss; Tiffany Cooper, 3b.
PROMISING NEWCOMERS: Junior — Caitlyn Ruckman, p. Sophomore —
Sam Pederson, 2b. Freshman — Anni Prideaux, cf.
OUTLOOK: The Crusaders lost six starters to graduation, including Katie Heaney,
who pitched every inning last season. Becky Demuth has lightened what was
a difficult schedule last season in an effort to help her young players. That
young group will be led by Rote (.176, 2 doubles, one triple, seven RBIs and
only three errors), Meyer (.267, four doubles, five triples, seven RBIs) and
Amber Demuth (.167, three doubles, one triple, seven RBIs).
“Most of the conference lost their pitching staffs except for Shoreland
and BCC (Catholic Central) has a senior pitcher who didn’t pitch a lot
last year,” Becky Demuth said. “Shoreland and BCC will be the
top two teams in our conference. We’ve got nothing to lose — people
will know we lost six kids, so they’ll think we’re not very good.
But the seniors are providing leadership and saying, ‘Hey, we need to
do something here.’ “
St. Catherine’s
TEAM NICKNAME: Angels.
CONFERENCE: Lakeshore.
COACH: Mary Kasinski, third season.
LAST YEAR’S RECORD: 15-10 overall, 5-7 Lakeshore, fourth place. Lost
to Poynette 5-1 in a WIAA Division 3 sectional championship.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Seniors — Karen Kasinski, p; Hillary Becker,
2b; Heather Oberhaus, utility; Lauren Roszkowski, c; Rebecca Staples, of.
Juniors — Christine Dickert, of; Kim Grajera, 2b; Kayla McClure, 1b;
Rita Turcotte. Sophomore — Bryanna Wright, of.
PROMISING NEWCOMERS: Sophomore — Katie Moes, ss.
OUTLOOK: How far the Angels advance depends largely on Kasinski, who has pitched
all of their games since her freshman season. And it’s looking as if
Kasinski is more than prepared to put St. Catherine’s on her shoulders
once again.
“She’s way ahead of where she started at the beginning of last
year,” said St. Catherine’s coach Mary Kasinski, Mary’s
mother. “She worked hard on her rise ball and curve ball and they look
really good.”
St. Catherine’s must improve a team batting average that hovered around
.200 last season and a defense that committed 65 errors in 25 games.
Union Grove
TEAM NICKNAME: Broncos.
CONFERENCE: Lakeshore.
COACH: Scott Katterhagen, sixth season.
LAST YEAR’S RECORD: 18-5 overall, 11-1 Lakeshore, first place. Lost
to Greendale 6-2 in a WIAA Division 2 sectional semifinal.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Seniors — Kristyn Hansen, p-1b; Sam Howe, c;
Kayla Zeisse, 3b; Maria Osmundsen, ss; Tricia O’Keefe, 1b-p. Juniors
— Robyn Mueller, cf. Sophomore — Nathalie Schattner, 2b; Christina
Aponte, of; Lindsey Mickulecky, of.
PROMISING NEWCOMERS: Juniors — Ryanon Snow, if; Jessie Niles, of.
OUTLOOK: With the battery of Hansen and Howe leading the way, this is a team
that should be powerful. Hansen hit .462 with 20 RBIs and Howe hit .444 with
19 RBIs. Other strong returnees for the Broncos include Mueller (.356, 21
RBIs) and Osmundsen (.278, 11 RBIs).
“If we play as a team, we can play with anyone,” Katterhagen said.
“We definitely have some work to do, but we can play with anyone in
the state.”
Waterford
TEAM NICKNAME: Wolverines.
CONFERENCE: Lakeshore.
COACH: Jill Stobber, ninth season.
LAST YEAR’S RECORD: 13-8 overall, 8-4 Lakeshore, third place. Lost to
Wilmot 6-4 in a WIAA Division 1 regional semifinal.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Seniors — Katie Bartling, c; Brianna Ellie,
p-of. Juniors — Taylor Azarian, rf; Dani Burke, p; Mikayla Chart, 3b;
Alyssa Schuttenhelm, 1b; Katie Simonsen, cf.
PROMISING NEWCOMERS:
Juniors — Chelsie Strosina, middle infield; Savannah Christopherson,
utility; Sami Abendschein, utility. Sophomore — Jordan Bohlman, middle
infield.
OUTLOOK: If Stobber can make the crucial replacements for graduated middle
infielders Megan Chart at second base and Ashley Engler at shortstop —
her choices are Strosina for Chart and Bohlman for Engler — this is
a team that could go places. Burke (9-3, 2.09 ERA) is a proven pitcher and
there are established offensive players in Bartling (.321, 8 RBIs), Ellie
(.309, 9 RBIs) and Schuttenhelm (.400, 18 RBIs), the latter of whom was first-team
All-Conference and All-County. They head a list of seven returning starters.
“The team chemistry is real strong this year,” Stobber said. “And
there’s a lot of versatility in our players.”
Assumption Reloading in Wisconsin Rapids
By Mark
Massoglia -Daily Tribune Staff
mark.massoglia@cwnews.net
A good internship can be a big key to getting a great job.
The current Assumption softball team knows that better than most. For two
years, in some cases, the 2007 Royals were the understudies of state champions.
Since joining
the Marawood Conference and the WIAA, Assumption has been one of the premier
small school programs in the state. The Royals have won six straight conference
titles, going 71-1 against Marawood foes. A pair of state titles in
2001 and 2005 and an 88-8 record during the past four years beefs up the program's
resume even more. Add departed all-state players like Lindsay Lubeck, Emily
Turba and Abby Brundidge, and you couldn't ask for better teachers.
"We learned from the best the past few years," junior captain Steph Garza said. "They taught us a lot about the game. Now we're the older girls and it's up to us to teach the new girls what we have learned."
And the girls are excited to have their turn at continuing the Royals tradition. "It's exciting to have a new start," said senior Jenna Genteman, the lone returning starter from last year's team. "We get to lead this team now and that's exciting. We're going to have to work twice as hard as last year because this is new for almost everyone."
Genteman and Garza, along with fellow captain Katie Moran, who saw time as the designated player last season, will be in charge of getting the team ready for the rigors of varsity competition.
Despite the loss of nine seniors, including eight starters, the Royals aren't lacking talent. The JV team had just one loss, and back for another run is coach Jim Getzloff.
The veteran skipper had been through this type of reloading process before. He did it after the 2001 championship season.
"These girls learned from the best and they have played a lot of softball on their own," Getzloff said. "They played summer ball last year and have worked very hard to have their shot at continuing what we have built here."
The new Royals will have their first taste of competition on April 10 when they host Spencer in a Marawood game and Moran feels the team will be ready. "We've come a long way since the first day of practice," she said. "We still have a lot to work on, but I think we can be a good team this year. Not many people are expect much from us, so we can just go out there and play ball."
According to the Fastpitch Chronicle, the Royals are picked to finish third in the South Division of the conference behind Stratford and Pittsville.
"That
just might be locker room fodder for these girls," Getzloff said. "Stratford
is the team to beat for us to stay in the conference race. I believe the talent
is here for another great season. We'll just have to see if the coaching is."
Assumption
Coach: Jim Getzloff, 13th year.
Conference: Marawood South Division.
Last season: 22-2 overall; 14-0 Marawood South
How far they went: Lost 3-0 to Highland in WIAA Division 4 state semifinals:
Key
returnees:
Jenna Genteman (Pitcher/CF, sr.), Katie Moran (Shortstop, jr.). Key
newcomers:
Steph Garza (Catcher, jr.), Brittney Brock (Pitcher/2B, soph.), Jada Straub
(Pitcher/2B, soph.), Jenna Moran (1B/Pitcher, fr.), Lindsey DuPree (3B, sr.),
Kelsey Joosten (LF, soph.), Chelsea Brandl (RF, fr.), Michelle Brost (Utility,
sr.), Katie Hepp (Utility, jr.), Bekah Elsen (Utility, soph.), Ariel Fuehrer
(Utility, fr.), Ellen Weiler (Utility, fr.).
Garceau
steps in to lead Ships
By Steve
Clark
Herald Times Reporter
MANITOWOC — Some new coaches step into a program and immediately have to give things an overhaul.
Whether it's developing talent, drilling fundamentals or just getting kids interested in the sport, there is often a long road of work to follow before sustained success can be enjoyed.
That wasn't the case for Heather Garceau.
The new Manitowoc Lincoln softball coach inherited a team that was coming off its first Fox River Valley Conference title in school history. The Ships returned three first-team all-conference performers and a second-team selection from that squad, as well as the bulk of the lineup that was as solid defensively as it was potent offensively.
Not a bad situation for a first-time head coach.
"I've said all along that I have all the respect for (former head coach) Chris Brown and what she did with this program," said Garceau, who registered her first career win with a 9-2 victory over Mishicot last week. "I'm not starting from scratch at all."
Garceau also had the transition into the job made easier by assistant coach Jim Woepse, who had also served as an assistant under Brown the last four years.
"Jim has been a huge help," said Garceau, a graduate of Two Rivers Washington High School, who had spent six years as an assistant coach at Manitowoc Lutheran. "He's been with the program, and even though I knew a lot of the girls, he's made the transition very easy."
It also helped that the Ships, who went 19-3 last year and reached the WIAA Division 1 sectional semifinal, returned nearly its entire lineup from last year.
Center fielder Kendra Woepse, a UW-Green Bay recruit, and catcher Veronica Bolle, both seniors, as well as junior second baseman Tania Kiel were all first-team all-FRVC selections, while senior left fielder Kayla Kodet earned second-team honors. In addition, senior shortstop Jena Ansorge, senior outfielder Megan Glaeser, and junior infielder Taylor Rothmund were all regulars in the Ships' lineup a year ago.
That group helped form one of the top offenses in the conference last year and, after pounding out 16 hits in its season-opener, should be a strength of the team again.
"Definitely it will (be a strength of the team)," said Garceau, who adds senior Beth Seal and junior Holly Doolan to the lineup. "I'm just so proud of all the work they have put in. All of them came to hitting camp during the winter and usually, for a coach, it's like pulling teeth to get kids to there. They came and really worked hard."
The Ships were also an outstanding defensive team last year, and with so many players returning should again be solid in that area. Lincoln is especially strong up the middle with Bolle, Ansorge and Kiel, while there is plenty of speed and experience among outfielders Kodet, Woepse and Glaeser.
The only new faces to the Ships' defense will be Rothmund at first and Seal at third base, and both played flawless defense in the opener.
"Right now a key for us will be getting our corners some experience and some confidence, and make sure they're communicating," Garceau said. "With the seniors we had there last year, they just knew what to do. We just have to get (the new players) to gel with the rest of the infield."
The biggest void that Garceau and the Ships will have to deal with is the loss of last year's conference Player of the Year, pitcher Amber Haese.
Both senior Kayla Weber, who saw limited varsity action last year, and freshman Cory Paquette pitched in Lincoln's season-opener, and Garceau is confident both hurlers can get the job done.
"We just want them to pitch with confidence," Garceau said. "The big thing will be getting the ball across the plate consistently because they have a tremendous defense behind them."
New pitchers and a new head coach won't be the only things different for the Ships, though. Their uniforms will have an addition as well, even thought it can only be felt and not seen.
Having won last year's conference title and returning so many players from that squad, Lincoln figures to have a pretty good-sized bull's-eye on its back when it takes the field — something that a Ships' softball team hasn't had to deal with before.
"The first week of practice we talked about not being underdogs and getting them to think of that and use that as a strength," Garceau said. "Winning conference again is a goal that was mentioned right away and this team has set others that are higher."
By Scott Venci - svenci@greenbaypressgazette.com
Winning a championship in sports is difficult. Repeating can be nearly impossible.
One season after winning the WIAA Division 1 state title, the Ashwaubenon girls softball team has started the 2007 campaign with a cast of unfamiliar faces. Gone is pitching standout Kayla Kastenmeier, a first-team all-state selection who struck out 33 batters and allowed two runs at state to lead the Jaguars to their first title in 12 years.
Gone is infielder Jamie Kivi, the team's leading hitter who hit .377 last season. Gone is outfielder Mel Cottrell, who led the Jaguars with 18 RBIs. Ashwaubenon lost all but one starter from last year's team, making this a season of reloading or rebuilding. Nobody can be quite sure which one.
"Regardless of if they lose seniors, they have such an established program that you can't take them lightly," said Pulaski coach Billi Jo Vertz, a former star pitcher for the Jaguars. "A sophomore might be of the same ability, just not as much experience."
It won't be one sophomore, but two, that the Jaguars will be counting on in pitchers Melissa Collins and Kelli Halron. It's been Collins, however, that's received the start in the Jaguars' first two games. The coaching staff has no problem rotating two starters — they did so at times in 2005 with former standouts Kristi Doucette and Terra Halron — but will give the ball to one if they take off and run with the opportunity. Collins struck out eight Green Bay West batters in six innings of a 3-2 win on March 29 in a game that featured four sophomores in the Jaguars' starting lineup.
She did even better against Seymour in a Bay Conference opener on Monday, throwing a two-hit shutout and striking out 15 in a 5-0 win. "I don't know if you can replace a Kayla with a Kayla," Ashwaubenon coach Jim Van Laanen said. "These two young girls, they need to find their own way and their own style." Van Laanen knows his two young pitchers need to believe in themselves, that they need to trust their changeup will work and that their rise ball will rise. "The pitching position is key to softball," Vertz said. "Maybe it's not going to be 1-0 games, but they are going to be right in there. You are not going to look past them. You just can't. They have got a great reputation."
While Ashwaubenon is expecting its four seniors — three of them are starting — to provide leadership to a young squad, there's an even more important element to this team that ultimately could decide how far it goes. While Kastenmeier got most of the headlines during the Jaguars' championship run, it was a spotless defense that may have been the biggest reason for the success. Ashwaubenon didn't commit an error throughout its tournament run. Not in the regionals. Not in the sectionals. Not at state.
Many teams don't always score an abundance of runs, so not giving away any can sometimes be the difference between a win and a loss. "We are really driving that point home to the girls," Van Laanen said. As for a repeat? "In 1992, when Ashwaubenon won its first state championship of the three they won in a row, that team was dominated by sophomores," Van Laanen said. "It can be done. Realistically, is it going to happen? Probably not.
"But it can be done, and that's the goal we have for these
kids — is to get back to state."
Area players to watch
Brooke Basten, jr., Pulaski: Was a second-team all-state pick. Was second in the Bay with a .467 average. Scored 16 runs and stole nine bases in league play.
Brynn Larsen, jr., Oconto Falls: The player of the year in the Valley 8 and a first-team all-state selection.
Lauren Higgins, sr., De Pere: Was a first-team all-conference pick in the Bay last season.
Sara Junion, sr., Sevastopol: Led the Pioneers to the WIAA Division 3 state tournament. Hit .352 with two home runs and 20 RBIs. Also had 23 steals.
Kayla Krueger, sr., Denmark: A first-team all-conference pick in the Packerland in 2006.
Rebecca Mann, sr., Green Bay West: A first-team conference pick and a third-team all-state selection.
Miranda Szcepanski, sr., Bay Port: Went 9-4 in the league play with a 1.07 earned-run average. Struck out 58 batters in 85 innings.
Rachel Williquette, sr., Bay Port: Hit .409 and drove in eight
runs. Was a first-team pick in the Bay and a third-team all-state selection.
Winneconne softball duo set to dominate in '07
By Brett Krzykowski
of The Northwestern
The structure of high school athletics is set up to allow a natural progression for the student-athletes who surrender their valuable free time for the sport they love.
Freshmen get a taste of competition at the junior-varsity level and slowly ramp up to the varsity ranks — unless you’re talking about Winneconne softball team members Alyssa Collura and Kaytie Curtis, who took slow immediately out of the equation and have been on the fast track ever since.
The senior duo has played every single game at the varsity level during their careers, most of which have been spent as the Wolves’ battery.
But the creation of that pitching and catching tandem began long before the pair ever set foot in the high school.
“When Alyssa came to the middle school in sixth grade, I talked to her a little bit about pitching, and she said she was interested,” Winneconne head coach Tim Whitford said. “From looking at the type of kid she was in class, she was pretty outgoing and always wanted to be involved in something.
“That gave me an inkling that she had the right psyche, the right mentality to be successful if she put her mind to it.”
Collura didn’t stop with her mind, though. She worked with a pitching coach all through middle school before finding someone else to put her through the paces — her new catcher, Curtis.
The teammates single-handedly set out to show why some teachers opt for unlisted phone numbers and dialed Whitford’s digits whenever that competitive bug struck them to head over to the gym and whip the ball back and forth for a couple of hours.
Their unwavering work ethic helped the Wolves to the last two in a string of five straight East Central Flyway Conference titles in 2004 and 2005 and seemingly had them on track for a storybook high school experience. But, as in most stories, heroes must deal with adversity sooner or later. Collura and Curtis are no exception.
As the 2006 season wore on, challenges mounted for the pair. For Collura, it came in the guise of one of her best friends, Kaitlyn Herbst, another pitcher for the Wolves.
After two years of working at the junior-varsity level, the fireballer joined Collura at the varsity level and provided a one-two combo that kept teams off-balance all season long.
“What Kaitlyn had was a lot of velocity, but as a freshman and sophomore she didn’t have the control Alyssa did,” Whitford said. “Then, last year, we had Alyssa as an outstanding starter for the first four or five innings, and when the other team got her timing down, we would bring in Kaitlyn. They did a phenomenal job with that.”
So phenomenal that Collura, who wields a variety of pitches with surgeon-like control, sensed a change was in the offing. But rather than throw a fit or run from the challenge this season, she stared it down and did what the best leaders do — whatever was best for the team, in this case sliding over to start at third base and assuming the reliever’s role Herbst had last season.
Curtis didn’t have it any easier as 2006 wore down. A year after earning honorable mention all-state, her production fell off at the plate, and she had to settle for garnering honorable mention at the all-conference level. But, like her fellow senior, there would be no retreat from the fourth-year backstop heading into this season.
Determined as ever, Curtis has made strides to return to her all-state status and, along with Collura and Herbst, isn’t prepared to except anything less than a successful curtain call to her high school career.
“They’re motivated to do well this year and not let anything stand in front of them,” Whitford said. “We had that run of five titles in a row, and then Waupun came into the conference. We’ve had close games with them the last couple of years, but we’ve never beaten them.
“Hopefully, if everything falls our way, I’d like to send this group out on top because of the amount of time and effort they’ve put in. They’re a good group of kids. I couldn’t ask for a better one.”
SPASH softball looks to new talent to help reload
By Scott
Williams
Journal staff
scott.williams@cwnews.net
Stevens Point Area Senior High lost a lot of talent from a softball team that reached the Division 1 quarterfinals last season.
All-everything shortstop Katie Maultra, third baseman Sarah Petersen and catcher Sam Henke have moved on, leaving a 23-1 record and seventh straight Wisconsin Valley Conference championship as their legacy.
But the Panthers have made a habit of reloading rather than rebuilding, and 2007 would seem to follow that same blueprint.
"We may have some growing pains here and there," said SPASH coach Tom Drohner, who enters his 10th season with a 194-27 record. "I'm really excited because we have some real good players, they just haven't proven themselves yet."
One exception will be on the mound where the Panthers have a proven winner in senior pitcher Sam Przybelski.
A first team all-state selection last season, Przybelski, who signed a letter of intent with Division 1 South Dakota State, went 17-1 with a 1.13 earned run average.
Sophomore Stacey Tuskowski (6-0, 0.57 ERA) served as her understudy a year ago, and provides SPASH with a formidable 1-2 punch on the mound. Nicole Henke, a sophomore, also might get some innings.
"We're looking for big things from Sam. She's gotten stronger and is a real competitor in the circle," Drohner said.
"Stacey has improved a lot. We're lucky to have two pitchers of their caliber in our program."
One problem the Panthers have been unable to avoid is the injury bug, especially in the outfield.
Two-time all-state outfielder Rachel Roth suffered a torn ACL in basketball. Alli Novotny is sidelined with a broken finger.
"We just need to get healthy right now," said Drohner, who noted Roth is ahead of schedule on her rehab and could see time as a designated player sooner rather than later.
While Novotny mends, junior Jordan Kryshak, who could move to first when Novotny returns, will join freshmen Brooke Piotrowski and Megan Cherney in the starting outfield.
"One thing we have is tremendous speed right now. This team ranks with my (state champion) 2003 team. If a ball hangs up at all, it's going to be caught," Drohner said.
The infield shapes up with senior Brittany Lang (.456, 37 RBIs), a first team all-state pick as a first baseman, at shortstop, surrounded by Amber Alekna (.336) at third and second baseman Emily Haluska.
Who will round out the equation at first base remains a mystery among juniors Amanda Evanoff and Tia Teske, who could see time at catcher, and Kryshak.
Hillary Trebiatowski also will vie for the starting catcher job.
Sophomore infielders Katie Shulfer and Brittany Bergquist are waiting in the wings if anything goes wrong.
With six state tournament trips, including four straight Division 1 titles, in seven years, Drohner sees no reason why the beat can't go on.
*Pair
of aces*
*Two of the area’s best softball pitchers can be found in Chippewa Falls*
* *
Leader-Telegram Staff* *
Chippewa Falls must be doing something right.
Last season the city saw one high school softball team finish runner-up in the WIAA state tournament. The other won a regional championship.
Both teams were led by their pitchers. Both are back for more this season.
Ashley Meinen, a junior at Chippewa Falls McDonell, led her team to a 19-4 season and made it all the way to the sectional final game, where it was defeated by Grantsburg.
Across the street, Brooke Malnory and Chi-Hi went 21-3 and finished their storybook season with a state runner-up trophy after losing to Ashwaubenon in the championship game.
Although both pitchers are quick to share the glory, their respective coaches know a good thing when they see it.
“Brooke is a great gift to our program,” second-year Cardinals coach Tami Slowiak said. “She’s a great pitcher and she has composure, skill and work ethic all wrapped up in someone that loves the game.”
Malnory, a senior at Chi-Hi, is a three-year starter.
This will be Meinen’s second year as starting hurler for the Macks.
“Things can happen around (Ashley) and nothing seems to phase her,” McDonell coach Earl Larson said. “She gets a bad call and she’s got a grin on her face. She doesn’t get mad, she doesn’t get upset. She knows what she’s out there to do and she does it.”
Malnory was first team all-conference and all-state last season. Meinen earned similar honors, with a spot on the all-conference and all-district first teams and all-state second team.
Despite their recent success, both pitchers come from humble backgrounds in the Hallie youth program.
“When we were on the Hallie Stars I was like fifth-string pitcher,” said Meinen, who has been pitching for seven years. “No one else could throw, so I said I’d try.”
Malnory played on the same team, with similar results.
“I think I (started pitching) because I couldn’t find a position and I thought pitching would be fun so I tried it,” Malnory said. “(Ashley and I) were the only ones that actually kept going with it.”
Several years and many seasons of Hallie ball, summer league and traveling teams later, the pair are leaders of their respective teams.
“I’m certain that it’s the youth programs (that leads to Chippewa Falls’ success),” Slowiak said. “Kids start playing at a young age and Hallie is notorious for kids playing ball. (The girls) either do Hallie or travel team or both. There’s fall ball, there’s dome ball, some play all year long. They’re always swinging a bat and working on skills.”
Though Meinen and Malnory will never play each other — McDonell is in Division 3 and the Cardinals are Division 1 — they played on various Hallie teams together in their younger years and currently play on the same traveling team in the summer. They also worked with each other over the winter, helping one another perfect different pitches.
“Having Ashley (on the traveling team) helps a lot with pitching,” Malnory said. “This winter we practiced together too. She helped me with my drop ball and I helped her with her curve.
“Her strengths are my weaknesses and my strengths are her weaknesses. We just feed off each other a lot.”
Both pitchers credit their offseason work to their string of recent successes.
“Most people start maybe two weeks before the season thinking about softball,” Meinen said. “As a pitcher, you need to start thinking about it in December because we have to focus on every little thing. Since our mechanics are so sound it’s the little things.”
Malnory and Meinen aren’t the only ones working on their game in the offseason. Almost the entire Chi-Hi squad plays on the same traveling team, and all but two starters return from last year.
Mikayla Hogan, who led the team in on-base percentage, slugging percentage and batting average as a freshman, returns after being named first team all-conference.
Junior outfielder/first baseman Katrina Nelson returns after being named second team all-conference. Also back are honorable mention juniors Carly Peterson (third base) and Rachel Hartmann (first base and catcher).
“We have our whole infield back, which is huge, especially with a pitcher like Brooke on the mound,” Slowiak said. “I expect great things, but you have to be careful knowing that it’s not just going to happen. It should on paper, but it doesn’t work that way. Anybody can beat anybody on a given day, and we’ve seen that.”
The Macks were hit harder by graduation, losing their starting catcher, first and second basemen, shortstop and an outfielder.
Among
those stepping up will be Jessica Freagon, a junior shortstop and second team
all-conference pick last season; Alecia Meinen, junior third baseman and Chrystal
Steiger, a junior right fielder. Also returning for
McDonell is senior Erica Rubenzer, who started as a sophomore but missed last
season after injuring her knee in basketball season.
“We’re
moving some kids around, and our season will depend on how fast we develop,”
Larson said. “It’s going to take awhile for (the team) to gel,
and that’s where we’re riding Ashley’s back for awhile.
She’s going
to keep us in ballgames.”
The Macks already played their first game and came away with a strong victory over Durand. After a nonconference matchup Monday, they jump into conference action Tuesday at Altoona.
The Cardinals are slated to play their first game Tuesday at Rice Lake.
Meinen and Malnory will use all their offseason hours to try and keep Chippewa Falls on the radars of softball coaches around the area.
“Because
of what (Meinen and Malnory) do they’re going to keep you in a ballgame,”
Larson said. “Most teams, if they score two or three runs off of them,
they’re doing good. With either (pitcher) you know you’re going
to be in the game, it’s just a matter of being able to score a few runs.”
Marawood softball should look different at the top
By Jake Miller
The South Division of the Marawood Conference is once again a democracy.
After a six-year reign in the Marawood, the Assumption Royals softball team's totalitarian ruling of the conference will be overthrown by one of two teams that has the makeup to fight for the crown.
· The challengers
Stratford and Pittsville, which finished second and third last year, watched the Royals run through the conference unscathed with a perfect 14-0 record. They have the best shot at dethroning the current champions.
Stratford made a surprise run to the top half of the conference finishing with an 11-2 conference record last season, while the Panthers trailed Stratford by a game, finishing 10-3.
· Support for candidacy
Pitching, pitching and more pitching.
Both teams return two of the best pitchers in the conference, while Assumption lost an unbelievable senior class, including the Marawood's top pitcher, Emily Turba.
With Turba gone (0.95 earned-run average, 113 strikeouts), Stratford's Cassie Krum and Pittsville's Brittany Zieher will battle for the title of top hurler in the South. Both have solid supporting casts, but as always, it comes down to who can get it done on the mound.
Statistically, Krum has the upperhand with her underhand. As a freshman last season she earned first-team all-Marawood South honors, finishing second to Turba in strikeouts (106) and ERA (1.25).
And don't expect a sophomore slump. Krum has been pitching since elementary school, playing in competitive leagues in Illinois prior to moving to Stratford. To wipe away any early-season doubts, Krum made a resounding statement, striking out 17 in a 5-1 nonconference win against Marathon last Tuesday.
Heading into her senior season, Zieher carries more varsity experience than Krum, but could add to her win total with a slightly lower ERA than last season. Zieher, a first-team all-conference player, finished with a 3.05 ERA, while fanning 96 hitters.
Obviously two players won't decide the conference title, but Zieher and Krum will weigh heavily on the outcome. And yes, the duo can hit. Complementing their pitching with bats that are nearly as potent. Zieher hit .553 last year, while Krum finished with a respectable .463.
· Tallying the final votes
The South Division should provide one of the best conference races in the area, with the same three teams battling for the title. Assumption will no longer rule the land for the first time in seven seasons.
The championship is going home with the Tigers or the Panthers. As it usually does, expect pitching to decide their fate.
By Timothy
Coonen
For The Post-Crescent
KIMBERLY — The Kimberly Papermakers know what life will be like in the Fox Valley Association this year.
With a big bull's-eye on their backs from winning the FVA title last season and receiving a No. 1 ranking in this week's Fastpitch Chronicle, the Papermakers realize there will be no gimmes this season.
Neenah was up to the task for a while, but in the end the Papermakers were too tough as they beat the Rockets 5-0 on Monday at Sunset Park in Kimberly.
Though the ranking is exciting for the program, Kimberly coach Bill Weyers doesn't want his team to read too much into it.
"This is neat for our entire program, from top to bottom," Weyers said. "Even from our 10-and-under to our 12s to our 14s and our 16s, it's a great thing. But it certainly makes the bull's-eye a lot bigger. We discussed it once, and I don't want to hear about it anymore.
"We still have to show up. Just because we put the uniform on doesn't mean the other team is going to roll over. A team beats us, and that might make their season."
The win over the Rockets was anything but easy, and it proved that the Papermakers are going to get their opposition's best effort every night.
Kimberly led 1-0 until the sixth inning when it finally got to Neenah pitcher Melissa Gritton. The Papermakers broke the game open with a four-run inning.
"There is a big target on our backs, so we know it's not going to be easy," said senior catcher Jenna Whitehead, who had the game-winning hit with an RBI double in the fourth "Nothing is a given, so we have to play our best every night."
In the decisive sixth inning, the Papermakers hit gap shots, something Weyers never saw when he first started.
"We hit the ball hard, and I think that's because of our conditioning and our weight-room work," he said. "We've busted our butt in the offseason, and now we're driving the ball. When I first started, we didn't drive the ball like that."
Team spotlight: Hortonville softball
On passing the time during bus trips
We all just kind of listen to our music. Sing, talk — typical girl stuff. We all have our iPods and people just scream out and sing. That's usually how it goes. If we win, it's the same (on the way back). If we lose, everyone's kind of mad and we don't talk so much.
Jodi Wickersheim, senior, leftfielder
On playing on despite suffering a broken nose during a recent practice
It's tough. Headaches. You just don't feel good at all. But we all love softball. I wouldn't miss softball for anything.
Danielle Cooper, senior, shortstop
On dealing with the rough spring weather
The beginning of the season (stunk) because we were inside all the time and the first how many games got cancelled. But once we got outside, we got to do actual situations rather than the same old stuff inside of a gym. Thank gosh our long winter is over.
Wickersheim
On team expectations
We've been trying harder and harder to get where we want to be. We set our team goals, and now we're practicing so we can go to state, win state and win conference. We've got high standards this year.
Wickersheim
That helped establish more of what we were going to do in practice and it helps us all strive for the same goal. It just keeps us honest, keeps us working hard in practice.
Cooper
On wearing wrist bands in honor of former teammate Ally Reschke, who passed away in November of 2005 as the result of an automobile accident
She was my best friend. It's hard. It's good that we all come together and we're all wearing them. It helps a lot to be with the team.
Cooper
It was tough for all of our teams. She was in basketball and softball, so we miss her a lot. She is greatly missed.
Wickersheim
On the most difficult part of practice
When (Coach) makes us run horses in the bunt line if we're struggling with bunting. You touch home plate, (sprint) and touch the fences and then come back to home plate if we don't get bunts down.
Post-Crescent staff writer Ricardo Arguello strikes out looking with Appleton North catcher Biz Sitzmann:
Q: Biz … what is that short for?
A: Elizabeth.
Q: What did you work on this summer to improve your game?
A: I played on a summer traveling team called Wisconsin Elite and I actually played with Brit Novickis, my catcher. This was my first year working with her all summer. So the communication, getting to know her better, was a big help. Other than that, I worked with "Wormy", who is my pitching coach and working with him and practicing and having fun.
Q: I ask this of every pitcher and catcher: Is the pitcher-catcher relationship for real, or is it a myth?
A: Well, Brit's a junior and I'm a senior so we do have that age difference, but being with her and knowing her personality and mine helps a lot. We do have a different bond than the whole team I feel. We're pretty close and it helps.
Q: Who's the team jokester?
A: Kayla Wayrynen. She's hilarious! She has a joke about everything.
Q: What's your dream school to play for in college?
A: Well I'm actually going to play Division III at the University of St. Thomas (Minn.). It had the academics that I wanted and softball — they were back-to-back national champions. I'm very fortunate to go there.
Q: It's favorites time. I give you a subject and you tell me your favorite. We'll start with TV shows:
A: "Friends."
Q: Favorite movie?
A: Harry Potter (series).
Q: Favorite store at Fox River Mall?
A: Express.
Q: Favorite place to relax?
A: Outside somewhere in a hammock or something.
Q: Favorite color?
A: Yellow.
Q: Favorite actor?
A: "McDreamy" from "Grey's Anatomy" … Patrick Dempsey.
Q: Favorite actress?
A: Cameron Diaz.
Q: Favorite holiday?
A: Christmas.
Q: Favorite artist or band?
A: John Mayer.
Q: What's one thing people don't know about your coach, Reed Rudie?
A: He's such an easy-going guy. He makes every situation, I feel, not difficult or stressful. He's always there giving positive advice, which is so helpful.
Q: OK, you have three wishes from the genie in the lamp. What would those three wishes be?
A: To be able to be in two places at once, to win the state championship (in softball) and to get a great education and a great job.
Malnory gives
up her first and hits her first home run
By Paul Cruz
Leader-Telegram staff
CHIPPEWA FALLS - Brooke Malnory doesn't often need to answer questions about home runs.
Through three years and 11 games of her high school varsity career, the Chippewa Falls pitching ace neither allowed one nor hit one.
So, one can imagine the senior's surprise at what occurred Thursday at Casper Park in the Cardinals' sweep of Big Rivers Conference adversary Eau Claire Memorial.
Late in the opener, which Chi-Hi (9-4, 6-2) won 11-1, the Old Abes' Corrie Hegwood launched a two-out Malnory offering over the left-field fence.
"It felt good," said Hegwood, who went 3-for-5 with a single, double, homer and walk against Malnory in the doubleheader.
"All I tried to do was watch the ball, swing through and make a connection. I didn't feel that hit, but it went over the fence."
In the top of the nightcap's first frame, Malnory experienced a more enjoyable piece of personal history, hitting a three-run shot that highlighted the Cardinals' four-run frame.
"I was really disappointed that I gave (the home run) up, but then I just wanted revenge - now I need to hit one," Malnory said of her thoughts after Hegwood's blast. "I missed my spot. I pitched it in the middle. It was my fault she hit it.
"(When I hit my home run) I was kind of in shock. I didn't think I hit it that hard, but (Chi-Hi first-base coach Sheldon Miller) kept saying 'It's out, it's out.' I was obviously very excited."
Malnory, who added four singles in going 5-for-8 on the day, complemented her hitting by striking out 12.
Malnory found herself in a second-inning jam in the opener, with Old Abes on second and third with one out, however.
She responded - with the help of the Chi-Hi defense - by retiring the next 14 of 15 batters before Hegwood's solo shot, which ultimately prevented the Cardinals from increasing their shutout count for the week to four.
Chippewa Falls did have stars other than Malnory's. A glance at the box scores and Tami Slowiak's words hammer that point home.
"What we've really been working on is team," Slowiak said. "It doesn't all lie on Brooke's arm. Both Tuesday night (in a BRC sweep of Hudson) and (Thursday) ... I was really happy with the team's performance."
Mikayla Hogan (3-for-5, two RBIs) and Jessica Zwiefelhofer (2-for-4, three runs, two RBIs, two stolen bases) paced Chi-Hi's electric offensive surge in the opener.
All nine Cardinals provided hits in the first game, with seven collecting at least two.
"One of the things we've been talking about is getting things started right away with our bats and not waiting," Slowiak said.Though the scores of both games ended up one-sided, the Old Abes (7-8, 4-5) showed coach Brad Chapman some promising signs.Starting pitcher Jessica Rene pitched two shutout innings in the opener and another three in the second game.Katie Pospishil went 2-for-5 overall, and Amanda Lester batted 2-for-3 in the second game."It was just the little things," Chapman said. "Chippewa Falls did the little things well. We just didn't get it going."No matter what we have to wake up (today), watch the sun come up and keep playing softball because it's what we enjoy doing. If we play it the right way and start doing the little things right, things will start falling in place. We're just finding a couple of rough days here. We're going to sit back, not dwell on it - but not forget about it either - and try to work ourselves out of it."
Laschen still going strong in 30th, final season at Loyal
By Jake Miller
Marshfield News-Herald
jmiller2@gannett.com
LOYAL -- Darrell Laschen is old school.
From his crisp gold Cadillac, to his in-game mannerisms, the Loyal softball coach exudes a classic confidence that makes the old school cool.
With a fiery attitude of a man half his age, Laschen, 70, has a passion that his tone illuminates as he speaks about past teams' success and the hopes for this year. It's easy to see he loves the game.
Winning, of course, has made the job a little less stressful. With an approach that has yet to mislead him over 30 seasons as Loyal's coach, Laschen has won -- a lot.
Never swaying from his ideals, Laschen recently accrued his 500th win as the Greyhounds' skipper, a milestone that is purely new school.
In a 15-5 win against Owen-Withee last Friday, Laschen, who will retire as the state leader in high school wins, is the lone coach to hit the 500 mark in Wisconsin.
Loyal handed him the honor on Friday, but the 70-year old coach, who's in his final year as Loyal's coach due to a conflict of interest with his new position on the Loyal School Board, credits the groundbreaking teams of the late 1970s as the true pioneers.
The march to 500 began in 1977, when a group of sophomores approached Laschen with a simple wish: To start a slow-pitch softball team.
While the '77 team was unaffiliated with Loyal High School, Laschen, who was the athletic director at the time, jumped on board.
After success infected the girls, Laschen and his team took the next logical step. They wanted to play for their high school.
Laschen, who began teaching at Loyal in 1967, received approval from the school board and ordered uniforms.
The next logical step was to set up a game. The Greyhounds had never played high school-sanctioned softball. Laschen made a call to Pete Koplein at Marshfield to set up a game.
"I said 'Pete we've got a pretty good slow-pitch team, we should do pretty well," Laschen said. "And he said 'it's not slow pitch, it's fast pitch.' I said 'What! It's fast pitch?'"
While Laschen was shocked, the style didn't matter -- the girls wanted to play.
With no trained pitchers, Loyal lost its first two games of the 1978 season to Black River Falls and Marshfield. The Greyhounds wouldn't lose again as they sprinted to a state title in their first year of existence.
Just to prove it wasn't a fluke, they did it again in 1979 and once more in 1980, losing just one game over two years.
It meant more than winning, however. It embedded a tradition that has yet to wane.
"I would have to say it's those girls, '78, '79 and '80, that set the whole pattern for what success we were going to have," Laschen said. "It made them all believers."
Loyal still loves softball. It radiates in cheers that bounce out of the dugout from the first inning to the last, and with 29 winning seasons in the program's 30-year history, the passion has spawned overwhelming amounts of success.
This year's squad delivered the coveted win, but they would like to do a little more.
"Since it's his last year, (we want) to go out with a bang," senior Mindy Luttropp said.
Under Laschen, the Greyhounds have been back to state six more times after the initial three-peat and own 17 conference titles.
Currently, Laschen has a record of 501-121 with the final games of his career at Loyal looming on the horizon.
Still active -- he plays on the Wisconsin Senior softball team -- Laschen has coached without pay since he took his oath of office with the Loyal School Board on April 23, putting the game and the girls ahead of his salary.
He hasn't ruled out coaching another team down the line, saying he "might snoop around." But for now, Laschen is focusing on Loyal's postseason, just as he has the past 29 years.
No matter how this year ends, he's content. Loyal has made a name for itself in the world of softball with Laschen at the helm.
"Oh yeah," said Laschen, pausing to think about his 500th win. "It's a nice way to cap it off."
The Laschen file
Career record: 501-121
State titles: 3
State appearances: 9
Sectional titles: 9
Regional titles: 18
Conference titles: 17