Softball team looks to build on last season’s lessons
By Chris Bennett
Correspondent
A recent photo, snapped after a team building exercise on a Saturday morning at Elkhorn’s Sunset Park, perfectly sums up the outlook for the Elkhorn Area High School softball team.
After running the hill behind their home diamond, the members of the Elks in attendance paused, gathered arm in arm and enjoyed the sunrise.
After losing just two players from last year’s squad and after an off-season of work the Elks, too, are on the rise.
“They’re the hardest-working girls sport in the school right now, and I am extremely proud of the amount of buy-in I’ve got,” coach Jacob Schueller said. “They’re coming together. I think it should pay-off with a special year.”
The 2014 Elks might stake claim as the best 6-16 team in the state. Elkhorn finished 1-13 and in last place in the Southern Lakes Conference.
The SLC is decidedly a powerhouse for high school softball. Schueller’s reclamation project, now in its third year, showed results last season.
“The record didn’t really show it, but we started clicking at the end, with some close games against powers like Union Grove,” Schueller said.
The Elks’ strong play at the end of the season culminated in Elkhorn winning its first playoff game in 14 years. Elkhorn defeated Big Foot 7-6 in extra innings May 22 at Big Foot in a Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association Division 2 regional semifinal game. Elkhorn’s season ended May 28 with a 10-0 loss at Beloit Turner in the regional final.
Schueller said he is realistically positive about the Elks’ fortunes this season. Defending SLC champion Westosha Central is ranked No. 1 in the state in the Wisconsin Fastpitch Softball Coaches Association pre-season poll. Conference foes Union Grove and Wilmot each received Honorable Mention consideration.
Waterford and Burlington also boast strong programs. Delavan-Darien is a despised rival, and Badger seemingly possesses the ability to excel in almost any sport.
“We’re not talking about the win column at all,” Schueller said. “That means nothing to us. Instead, we’re looking to finish out of the bottom two in the conference.
“Realistically, if we finish in the middle or top half of the conference, I think it means we win our regional and have a realistic chance at state.”
Schueller said the Elks’ motto this season is “Today for June,” in reference to playing strong in the WIAA Division 2 playoffs. An experienced and improving squad might turn that motto into truth.
Catcher Meghan Etten and first baseman Morgan Rudolf are back, as is third baseman Payton Barker. Schueller said returnee Hailey Wang and freshman Rachel Gosh are battling it out at second base and shortstop, and between the two will man the positions.
“Either way, we’re going to have a strong infield,” Schueller said.
Senior Abbie Kolacke, a three-year starter, returns in center field. Jasmine Falbo-Bogart is back in right field. Returning left fielder Bailey LeDonne became one of the conference’s best power hitters last season, and Schueller said he expects more this season.
Mackenzie Shawback will play some at first base and wherever needed, said Schueller.
“She’s an extremely hard worker with a great swing,” Schueller said. “It’s going to be good to have a versatile kid like that, with a great attitude, who’s not afraid to step in and play wherever she’s needed.”
Carolyn Griswold returns as the Elks’ No. 1 pitcher, and heads a strong starting staff. Rudolf and Gosh will also pitch. Freshman Tai Ickes is also expected to contribute.
“We’ve got four legitimate pitchers this year, which is a big difference,” Schueller said. “All four are throwing harder than any pitcher we’ve had in the last two years.”
The Elks’ season opener will provide considerable insight. Elkhorn opens its 2015 season April 7 at Salem against Westosha Central.
