By RICHIE HALL
The Westfield softball team made history last year by winning the program’s first-ever sectional championship.
The Shamrocks have several players back for this year’s team, so of course, defending their championship is on their agenda. That includes five seniors, a solid junior pitcher and many other young players who already have varsity experience.
“It’s exciting to have so many returners,” said Westfield coach Brian Revercomb. The coach wants to make sure his team keeps its focus on this year – “how do we build off the success from last year, but how do we focus on this year,” said Revercomb.
“They like being defending sectional champions, but they’re definitely focused on, how do we stay competitive and how do we improve on that and how do we win that sectional again, because it’s going to be so difficult to do it, like it was last year,” said Revercomb.
The ‘Rocks have five seniors on the team, including three with significant experience. Cara Snedeker brings back a .305 average, including 19 runs batted in and three home runs. Grace Fanelli batted .282 with 19 RBIs and four homers.
Revercomb said Snedeker will be playing mostly second base and Fanelli third base. Another senior returning is Grace Feltz, who was .279 last season with a pair of home runs.
The junior class is led by Chloe Tanner, who will be Westfield’s No. 1 pitcher. Tanner threw 154 strikeouts last season. She also hit the ball well, going .313 with 19 RBIs and four triples.
Two more juniors also have good numbers coming back. Ava Kainrath batted .337 and led the ‘Rocks in RBIs with 34 and homers with 10. Avery Banas batted .266 and had 12 RBIs.
Three sophomores are also returning, including Sofia Easterhaus, who hit .355 as a freshman last season. Makayla Watson, who is playing mostly center field this year, returns a .312 average. Shea Vohs will be pitching; she got some varsity time last year. A freshman, Sydney Jordan, is also slated to pitch.
“I think we have good chemistry brewing,” said Revercomb. “Kids are focused and working hard. I think they’re excited because of our success last year and I think they’re excited about this year because there’s a lot of talent and a lot of good energy.”
Westfield is scheduled to begin its season Monday by hosting Decatur Central, weather permitting. The Shamrocks then travel to Carmel’s Cherry Tree Softball Complex Wednesday before hosting North Central on Friday.