By Keith Brake
Montezuma Magazine Editor
Coach Jeremy Van Zee says the softball Bravettes have speed.
With six returning starters, they have experience.
“We’re really excited for the upcoming season,” the coach said. “With last season being shortened, we’re really looking forward to getting back on the field for a full season.”
Last year’s abbreviated version wasn’t too bad: Nine wins and nine losses.
“We have a ton of speed,” Van Zee said. “Now we just have to hit the ball so we can use that speed on the base paths.”
Van Zee said, “the ladies have been putting in a lot of hard work in the off-season and the last three weeks of practice they have really pushed themselves.”
Montezuma is scheduled to open its season at home on Wednesday, May 26, against BGM. It’s a busy first week, with a three-game tournament at Southeast Warren on Saturday to conclude it.
“Bringing back your pitcher is always key. Kallie Robison had a very strong year last season and has really put in some work.”
Robison threw 16 of the Bravettes’ 18 games. She worked 101.2 innings, with a 3.79 earned run average. She walked 18 and struck out 86.
The other five returning starters ranged between .241 and .300 in batting average on a team that carried a .238 average.
The Bravettes were 45-for-47 in stolen base attempts, so it’s easy to see why Van Zee would like even more girls to reach base.
“Our outfield will be led by returning starter Katie Reynolds, in center.” Van Zee said. “Katie has tremendous speed and does a great job tracking the softball off the bat.”
Reynolds was a .241 hitter and stole eight bases.
Second baseman Jadyn Sharer hit .259, with seven runs batted in and seven stolen bases.
Kailey Shaffer, who will catch this season, hit .259 with nine RBIs.
Utility player Kalynn Wanders hit .300, with seven runs batted in.
Shorstop Izzy Roorda hit .265 as an eighth grader playing varsity.
“There will be some shuffling of positions on the field this year, but you’re going to see some of the same faces you did last year,” Van Zee said.
“We do have a few younger girls that we’re excited to see their first varsity action.” He said that includes outfielders Madison Van Zee and Laila Kercheval, and utility player Ellen Cook, an eighth grader.
The Bravettes also have last year’s number two pitcher in Abby Pope, who posted a 3.50 earned run averages in 14 innings of work.
Van Zee sees Lynnville-Sully and Sigourney as the teams to beat in the SICL again this year. “Both programs have some great hitters, then piggy back that with the two best pitchers in the league and it will make both of them tough outs in the conference,” he said.
“But, we play the games and don’t just look at them on paper, because on a given night, the top dog could fall,” Van Zee said.
The Softball Bravettes
Senior – Kiara Bru, outfield.
Juniors – Katie Reynolds, center field. Allyson Larmore, utility. Tia Shaffer, third base. Kailey Shaffer, catcher. Haley Van Der Hart, utility.
Sophomores – Haylee Wanders, third base. Abby Pope, pitcher. Kallie Robison, pitcher. Kalynn Wanders, utility.
Freshmen – Jadyn Sharer, second base. Madison Van Zee, outfield. Jordan Ranfeld, outfield. Laila Kercheval, outfield. Izzy Roorda, shortstop.
Eighth graders – Ellen Cook, utility. Taya Sincox, utility.