Kennedy Bader | Staff Writer

After losing to Franklin Community in the 2018 county tournament, the softball team is hungry to avenge their loss this year when they begin county tournament play tonight. Many were shocked last season when the team was upset, ruining their undefeated season.

“The Franklin Community game of county is so important because we lost to them last year in county, so it’s a big game to get revenge and earn our county title back this year,” pitcher Abby Herbst ‘19 said. “The hardest aspect of the game will definitely be hitting off of their pitcher; they have a really strong pitcher so making adjustments will be hard.”

So far this season, the team is 16-3 and has accomplished many goals; one being their 15-2 run-rule win against Cathedral. However, this season has been different because of a coaching change that led to a new atmosphere for winning.

“We have focused on the process more than the outcome and how we respond to certain situations,” starting shortstop Piper Belden ’19 said. “Coach Coleman pushes us to improve mentally; she doesn’t care about the outcome as long we are bettering ourselves as players.”

Franklin Community is led by sophomore pitcher Izzy Harrison, who has an ERA of 0.92. This means that she allows around .92 runs per game to be scored on her. Harrison paired with junior Baylee Parker who has a .512 batting average creates a threat for both aspects of the game.

“I think we have been well preparing ourselves throughout the season and through facing many different types of pitching,” Jillian Ransdell said. “If we do that, we will really excel.”

With a win against Franklin Community, the team gains the momentum that will help them finish the season and continue on for their postseason matchups.

“We all just need to be super confident in not only each other but ourselves as well, and we will do great,” Jillian Ransdell ‘20 said.