The Washburn Beavers softball team is looking for improvement this season. In his second year of his second stint as the coach, Paul Carter is expecting this squad to be much more competitive.
Last year with a young squad, the Beavers finished 1-12, and having many of those players back this season should bring much more positive results.
“Because we are in the process of rebuilding,” explained Carter, “we have only to prove to ourselves that we can play this game known as softball. Our goal is simply to improve each and every game hoping to find ourselves in the playoffs at the end of the season.”
The Beavers will look for contributions from a number of players this season in order to be successful. The senior class will feature outfielder Jackie West, utility player Rachel Driscoll and pitcher Kristin Sarmiento. Sarmiento is returning to the program, not having played since junior high. All three will be expected to bring leadership to the field.
The junior class includes Carly Bragg primarily catching and playing first base, Macey Barker in the infield and Amber DuBois in the outfield.
A strong sophomore class will be a key both in this season and seasons to come. Leading the way will be Kassie Farley. Farley will anchor the infield at shortstop when she isn’t pitching and has been named the team captain. Sophomore Sam Churchill is versatile and will play both infield and outfield spots, while classmates Mollie Clark and Lexi Carney will also fill infield positions.
Sophomores Julie Dahlgren, Sydney Chavez and Bobby Campbell will battle for playing time.
The freshman class includes Maggie Castonguay who looks to have landed a starting spot in the outfield, as well as Skyler Mette, Kristen Dube and Hannah Kilcollins. Mette, Dube, and Kilcollins are all working hard and getting better every time out.
Managers for the team are seniors Kaitlyn Maynard and Mariah Davis, and sophomore Jessica Vaillincourt. Carter is also receiving help from his assistant coaches — Crystal Hobbs, Liza Durett and Grace Brailey.
Coach Carter is pleased with how things have gone in the early going.
“Indoor practices have been great as far as they can take you,” explained Carter.
With more opportunities to practice outside the team is making great strides despite their relative youth. The Beavers have adopted the motto “Take the extra step” and Carter believes that will be a key to success.
“I am a half full glass kind of guy,” he continued, “and I believe we will better than accomplish our goal of a rebuilding season.”
