Softball team hopes to build on last season's success

An offense that can put runs on the board?

Check.

A defense that is expected to cut down on errors?

Check.

Experienced pitching?

Not so fast.

The Waupaca Comet softball team posted a 15-3 record in the Eastern Valley Conference last year under a new coach, Kevin Guyant. If the Comets are going to be in the upper half of the EVC this season, it’ll happen without a returning pitcher.

“We only lost two varsity players, so we’re returning the majority of our starters,” Guyant said. “We are looking for big things offensively and defensively. Our offense will not be a problem and our defense is solid. We set a goal of two errors or less a game and we reached that.”

Gone from last year’s team are Katlyn McCormick, a second team all-conference pitcher last season, and Jessica Schlender, who also pitched.

This year, Guyant is counting on two new pitchers, freshman Tasha Smith and sophomore Emerie Vasquez.

“The pitching is young and very inexperienced and it’ll be the first varsity start for either of them,” he said. “Our offense is going to have to pick us up with the bats and it will. Last year, we had a .410 on-base percentage and we hit well over .300.”

Returning players include seniors Megan and Taylor Grenlie. Megan was a first team all-conference pick last season as an outfielder and batted over .500, while Taylor made the second team as a catcher.

“I expect big things from her,” Guyant said of his catcher. “She hit really well last year and defensively, she’s a rock. I feel really good having her back there.”

Also back are junior shortstop Carli Navin, senior third baseman Emily Nelson and junior first baseman Nicki Nelson.

“Second base and the two outfielders are the spots we have to fill,” Guyant said. “All the girls are vying for those spots are solid, so it’s going to be tough to figure out who we want there opening day.”

Opening day is still in question. The Comets were originally scheduled to open the season Tuesday, March 29, at Ripon, but that game has been rescheduled for Tuesday, April 26, as part of a doubleheader in Waupaca. An EVC matchup with Clintonville originally slated for Thursday, March 31, has been rescheduled for Tuesday, May 3.

Guyant likes his team’s attitude despite having to practice inside for most of the past two weeks due to the weather.

“They’re a great group of girls to work with,” he said. “There’s no whining or complaining. They’re always asking about ways to improve and they’re pushing themselves.”

A successful season will boil down to pitching.

“We want to keep the walks down, which we’re really going to emphasize, and for the pitchers to hit their spots,” Guyant said.

He isn’t surprised by the team’s success the past two seasons after finishing below .500 for several years.

“I was not surprised by the success because I’ve been working with the seniors and juniors the last five or six years through the youth program and summer ball,” he said. “We had big expectations. We met all our expectations last year and I expect nothing less this year.”

Waupaca Comets

Softball

2011 Schedule

Varsity

Tuesday, April 5 – at Berlin, 4:45 p.m.

Thursday, April 7 – vs. Fox Valley Lutheran, 4:30 p.m.

Saturday, April 9 – Waupaca Triangular, 1:45 p.m. (rescheduled from April 2)

Tuesday, April 12 – vs. Iola-Scandinavia, 4:30 p.m.

Tuesday, April 19 – at Appleton Xavier, 4:45 p.m.

Thursday, April 21 – at Little Chute, 4:45 p.m.

Tuesday, April 26 – vs. Ripon (DH), 4:15 p.m.

Friday, April 29 – at Winneconne (DH), 4:30 p.m.

Tuesday, May 3 – at Clintonville (DH), 4:30 p.m.

Thursday, May 5 – vs. Berlin, 4:45 p.m.

Friday, May 6 – vs. Amherst, 4:30 p.m.

Monday, May 9 – at Fox Valley Lutheran, 4:45 p.m.

Monday, May 16 – vs. Appleton Xavier, 4:45 p.m.

Thursday, May 19 – vs. Little Chute, 4:45 p.m.

Saturday, May 21 – vs. Freedom (DH), 10 a.m.

Junior Varsity