The Mishicot girls’ softball team opens their 2025 season this afternoon (March 27th) as they are participating in the Ripken Experience in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.
They’ll play three games in three days, beginning with a matchup against Manchester Ohio at 2:00 p.m. central daylight time.
The Indians went 29 and 1 last year, their only loss coming at the State Tournament in Madison to Laconia in the Division Three semifinals.
Several seniors graduated from that team, including four-year starter Katelyn Callahan, second baseman Cora Stodola, and centerfielder Cora Nelson.
However, several players with experience return, including third baseman Karsyn Krause, shortstop Kaelin Adair, and catcher Kasey Brochoud.
Callahan and Stodola combined for 20 home runs and 76 runs batted in last season, forcing Head Coach Dawn Shimek to adjust the offense.
She says behind senior left-hander Kieran Sanford, who was 19 and 1 last season, the Indians will have to rely on speed and manufacturing runs.
All 32 players on varsity and junior varsity made the trip and are bunking together in the same cabin.
Shimek says this will benefit her team in the long run.
“It’s going to force us to get along, communicate with one another, and bond as a team,” the skipper told SeehaferNews.com. “Temperatures are expected to be around 70 each day with nice weather so we should get in all three games. This will give us valuable experience in preparing for the season ahead and show us what we must improve upon to get better as a team.”
The first pitch is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. this afternoon.
