Softball is just around the corner, and after going to state the last two seasons, the girls are excited to make another run for it all. The girls have already started training to get ahead start on the upcoming season.

After finishing the regular season with a solid record of 15 wins and three losses, a section championship and a visit to the state tournament last year, the girls hope to make another return this year.

Junior Carlie Hart is looking forward to the season along with all the other girls. Getting out on the field and doing what they love, playing softball.

“I’m looking most forward to being with everyone on the team again and start playing game,” Hart said.

Practicing before the season is a good way to get ahead and to create team bonds and friendships with the girls on the team. The girls meet once a week to get some preseason practice time in.

“We practice clinics and dome ball every year before the season. It does help us grow as a team quicker and play together sooner because it takes time to redevelop that environment,” senior captain Sidnee Ronsberg said.

After going to state the past two seasons and taking a state championship back to Stillwater, the stakes are high for the girls this year.

“I think there will be some level of expectation. I mean especially for myself, being to state the past two years I expect nothing less. So hopefully we will be able to pull together and achieve just that,” senior captain Lauren Jordan said.

The girls relied on the pitching from Hannah Heacox last year, but since she graduated they will have to step up and play more as a team.

“It is tough to replace a Hannah Heacox, but we still have solid pitching. Without Hannah it will definitely be a whole different ball game. Us fielders are actually going to see some action and have to work hard and execute our plays as efficiently as possible. We are really going to have to play as a team this year more than ever before,” Ronsberg explained.

Ronsberg and Jordan have plans to make it a fun season for the team, but also one that they will compete in.

“I plan on stepping up as a captain on and off the field. A captain is the perfect role model, someone for the girls to look up to. Hannah was a great example of that last year. She inspired everyone with her drive and work ethic. I hope this year I can do the same,” Jordan said.

Ronsberg is also the gymnastics captain this year so she knows what it is like having the pressure on her shoulders with the “captain” title. She likes it and feels that she can fill the position well.

“I plan to be positive and try to keep the team positive as well, and I plan to work hard so hopefully the team sees that and follows. I also plan on being there for the girls whether its on the field or off and I want everyone to feel welcome,” Ronsberg said. “Its my personality to be a leader. I love to help others and to be a good example so I feel as if nothing has changed from last year to this year regarding that. I just need to be sure to continue being a good example and leader.”

With a lot on the line, the girls have high expectations for the season and hope to prove all of the doubters wrong.

“We have good returning athletes and a few younger athletes coming up as well, so I think we are going to be a pretty solid team all around. Most of us are pretty much at the same skill level, so I expect the positions and batting order to be switched up multiple times throughout the year. I expect it to be a lot of fun, like it usually is, and for us to make it to state,” Ronsberg said.

The girls are dusting off all the rust from their long break to get ready for tryouts the week before spring break. They plan to put it all on the line to make it to state for the third year in a row.