SOFTBALL: Women headed for Joliet
By James Oslanzi
The Lady Apache softball team finished 29 –7 and second in the conference (11-5) behind Blackhawk. From here the women are set to face Waubonsee with the winner to go the Final Four Tournament at Joliet on May 5 with the championship game to be held on May 6.
"I am tremendously proud of this year’s team," said coach Cory Tomasson. "They came a long way to turn-around our record from last years and make the team a contender in both our conference and at the state level."
The Lady Apaches are lead by the outstanding play of pitcher Gabe Wood, catcher Marie Gubbels, and shortstop Casey Novotney. Wood finished the year with a 19-3 record with 227 strikeouts, is batting .474 at the plate, and is leading the team in home runs and RBI’s.
"She’s an all around player, outstanding on the mound and at the plate," Tomasson said. "She calls her own games and has only struck out three times at the plate."
Gubbels has done well out of position at catcher normally playing second or third base and is batting .400. Novotney is batting .365 and is leading the team in doubles.
As for next year the team hopes to improve on their record and looks to finish first in the conference. The team will be losing five players after this season to graduation but seven are expected back next year.
"They came in last year not knowing what to expect with a new coach and really a new softball program," the coach said. "They showed their dedication and persevered over the last two seasons, and I appreciate the effort that they have put forth. I will truly miss them as players, because they shared in this fresh start. Hopefully, we will retain all of the seven first-year players for next year. They are all quality players and I would like to see them return."
Recruiting has started and two players have already signed for next year leaving the team and the coaches with an optimistic view.