It was the end of the era with the completion of the 2024 season. Seniors Sydney Ritchie, Liz Pelky, Hailie Poppy and Kyler Rettler have been a staple of our softball program since their youth. Though their final season did not play out as they would have liked, we are all very proud of these ladies for committing to the program all four years of High School!
We had a successful start in Rhinelander finishing 2nd in our bracket. The girls were able to enjoy some team bonding with a pool party and pizza.
The conference was competitive again this year and though our record doesn’t reflect it, we competed in many close games defeating teams like Bonduel and Manawa and we were trending in the right direction towards mid-season.
While we had four Seniors on the field for most of the season, we also started three freshman, SS Brenna Beilfuss, Catcher Ella Griesbach and Right Fielder Lana Arneson. All contributed nicely in their first season and we expect that to carry into next season.
Junior Abbie Presteen continued to spark the offense and was selected Offensive MVP. Junior Morgan Oskey significantly raised her offensive numbers and received MIP. Liz Pelky received Defensive MVP having played several positions over her career. Sydney Ritchie received Overall Outstanding Player and Hailie Poppy received the Coach’s Award.
Sydney Ritchie was selected to 1st Team All Conference and will participate in the Senior All Star games. Liz Pelky received 2nd Team All Conference and Hailie Poppy received Honorable Mention.
Along with next year’s Seniors we are looking for Juniors Mallory Oskey, Claire Widder and Kali Fischer to continue to make significant contributions along with Lucy Foesch and Chloe Nelson.
We have high expectations for the incoming players that will join our program next season as we continue to build toward success.
Thank you to our coaching staff Andy Erickson, Jackie Sell and Nate Krake! Special thank you to Dominic Gunderson, Ryan Micke and Brian Moravec for all their hard work in getting our field prepared.
Most of all thank you to our parents for their continued support of our program!
Go Chiefs!
-Coach Dawn Kanaman