By Chris Parker
Springfield Catholic softball made its debut last year with a 2-17 record overall.
The Lady Irish learned two key things from their inaugural season.
“Patience and control,” Catholic head coach Steven Govero said. “We were young and eager to compete, but we needed to stay within our abilities better. Keep working to build our foundation for a stronger tomorrow.”
A pair of seniors in Shelby Kindhart and Madison Rues will be team leaders this year.
“Senior Shelby Kindhart will be a strong anchor to our success offensively,” Govero said. “Our other senior, Madison Rues, for her leadership abilities on and off the field.”
Junior Brooklyn Barnes returns to the circle as the team’s main pitcher.
“Back as our No. 1 arm in the circle will be Brooklyn Barnes,” Govero said. “Brooklyn had a good showing for our young team. She has worked hard over the past several months to get stronger and more aggressive with her pitches. Look for showing out of the circle for her.”
Sophomore Katie Galligos will be behind the plate at catcher.
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“Behind the plate will be Sophomore Katie Galligos, a real spark plug of a player,” Govero said. “(She) can play several positions and good at all of them, evidence her being all-conference for as an infielder, but moving behind the plate this year.”
The lineup returns intact around the infield and outfield.
Larrisa Holland (junior), Paige Wehner (sophomore), Sarah Stokes (sophomore), Makenna Phipps (freshman), Carleigh Russell (freshman) and Rues will be on the infield.
Kindhart, Hannah Holum (sophomore), Emily Wieberg (junior) and Sophie Brink (sophomore) will comprise the outfield.
“Depth will be something this year we will be able to build on as well. Having more players so we can have a true JV squad will be huge,” Govero said. “Our goals are to be a better defensive team, take care of the ball. And on offense limit our strikeouts, put the ball in play.”
Catholic opens the season on Mar. 22 at home against College Heights.
“(I expect to) have everyone on the same page and competing for seven innings or more,” Govero said. “We had unfortunately too many run-rule games last spring and we need to play a whole game, mentally and physically.”
