By Chris Parker
New Covenant softball won nine games in its first varsity season in 2023. With seven starters back this season, that win total could push even higher.
“This will be our second varsity season, so having a year’s experience will provide some confidence for the team,” New Covenant head coach Stephanie Dauber said. “We will also have three experienced pitchers, all having different strengths, which allow us to be creative with our pitching lineups.”
Look for seniors Jacey Byler and Maddie Busker along with junior Rachel Harper to provide leadership this season.
“Jacey Byler and Rachel Harper, both all-district and all-region players last year, will continue to be our leaders on the field picking up where they left off last year. Both are skilled, experienced players and set the example for hard work, determination, and perseverance,” Dauber said. “Maddie Busker will also play a pivotal leadership role this season. Her spirit, dedication and love for her teammates brings life to our team. Maddie has worked hard to improve her game this past year, and we expect to see her contribute more this coming season.”
Harper will be one of the three pitchers along with Riley Wilson (junior) and Lily Green (sophomore).
Byler will be on the infield with Ella Armour (junior), Peyton Ellis (sophomore), Emerson Rogers (sophomore) and Harper.
Busker is an outfielder who will be joined by Sophia Gentry (junior), Green and Eliana McLain (senior).
Freshman Jessie Braddock will bring a utility presence to the varsity.
“We have many that have put in consistent offensive and/or defensive work since the close of last season,” Dauber said. “It will be fun to see the fruits of their labor this season.”
New Covenant will travel to Walnut Grove on Aug. 26 for a jamboree before opening the regular season Aug. 30-31 at the Halfway Tournament.
“Our expectation is to win each day and get better every day in hopes of improving on our varsity record of 9-12 last year,” Dauber said. “Last year’s team drew the fourth seed in districts and won their first game in the district tournament as a first-year varsity club. Based on the returning experience, we would expect to have over a .500 record this year and would love to compete in the district championship.”
