Unfortunately, I have not been able to find time to post any game summaries for Villa Madonna softball this season. While I missed these opportunities to share individual scores and accomplishments, I wanted to provide some level of season highlights for those that have not yet caught our girls in action on the field.

 

Given how small the fastpitch program is, there are always new challenges for the Villa coaching staff to work through at the beginning of every season, and this year was no different. However, none of these factors have prevented them from working to establish competitive teams.

 

After graduating 9 veteran players during the past 2 seasons, only 4 experienced starters remain in the lineup for Coach Meier:

*Seasoned pitcher/Sophomore Brooke Meier who is in her 5th year on the mound;

*3rd year catcher/Sophomore Anna Wagner who is also a 5th year starter (first 2 years as OF);

*Junior 2B Anna Bosley in her 2nd year as a starter;

*7th grader Camdyn Meier in 2nd year starting OF, but also filling roles at 1B and pitcher as needed - been a member of the team since 4th grade, and was grandfathered in before KHSAA grade level restrictions.

 

The lone senior on this squad, Carol Dosker, has developed as a utility player throughout her three years, and now rotates time at 3B and outfield, depending on the needs of the team.

 

The remainder of the roster and starting positions are filled by mostly 8th and 9th graders, many of whom have never played softball before…definitely not at a varsity, high school level.

 

For anyone that observed a Villa game so far this season, there is no question Wagner and B. Meier have embraced their roles as captains, as witnessed by their sharing of game knowledge, leadership, and motivation of the younger and less experienced players. It takes determination, maturity, and composure to rally teammates and remain optimistic when you are recording 14Ks from the mound yet still losing majorly on unearned runs and errors.

 

Not only is this battery a dominating force on the field, controlling the flow of the game from the mound, but both players are offensive leaders in the Villa lineup, with batting averages at or above .500 and OBP above .600. The term “Courtesy Runner” is not in their vocabulary as they set the Villa precedent for aggressive base running – Meier serving as leadoff currently has 27 SB, 6 Doubles and 2 HR. Wagner adds impact with her own contributions of 21 RBI, 22 SB and 4 Doubles. Junior 2B Bosley provides energy and flair as the third and final captain. You will find her inspiring the Villa dugout during offense to keep everyone engaged, involved and cheering, while batting cleanup and contributing 19 RBI herself.

 

B. Meier is currently 8-7 with 129K’s and 1.33 ERA on the season. In mid-April she surpassed 500K’s for her career mark.

The youngest Meier, Camdyn, made her varsity debut on the mound this season when a game injury resulted in B. Meier transitioning to SS for 2.5 games. During this time frame, Wagner moved out to 1B, giving 8th grader Casey Fulton varsity game experience behind the plate. B. Meier and Wagner continued to serve as field generals, demonstrating ability to mentor plus instill confidence in the younger players.

 

With the completion of each game, this young Villa squad is defining improvement through repetition. There are less errors, more confidence, and obvious abilities in each player when they take the field. With two more seasons of HS softball, it will be exciting to watch the duo of Wagner and B. Meier continue to develop and excel as they hope to lead their Villa teammates to a higher level.

 

Best of luck to all in these remaining few weeks of season. It is enjoyable to read about individual player potential and team successes from surrounding schools.

Nice post. Thank you.

COOL!

 

Missed reading your posts.

Thanks LB13. I am honored to know that I was missed or at least my write-ups were.

I was feeling extremely guilty for my neglect this season. You know I do my best to get Villa athletes some exposure.

 

There were a few games that I wanted to submit but exhaustion got the better of me. For instance, both outings with Calvary this season came down to the final innings.

Villa landed on top in the first game 5-3 and last night 3-2, but not without some amazing catches by the Calvary fielders, and pitcher Olivia Palasek who kept our offense guessing. Ultimately, it was the aggressive base running that I mentioned which put us in scoring position to seal the deal.

 

Also worth noting, B. Meier in conjunction with Wagner has recorded several 1 and 2-hitters this season. They are both true students of the game, analyzing and discussing their opponent before each match-up. Anyone who knows these two athletes should not be surprised as that is how they approach basketball with access to Hudl and reviewing game films.

 

Although we lost to Scott 1-10, it was C. Meiers first varsity outing during a very wet, rainy and soggy game. Obviously nervous, Wagner kept C. Meier calm and focused behind the plate, while B. Meier was seen at the mound between every inning providing encouragement, advice and instruction.

C. Meier was controlled on the mound and showed her maturity. This was a positive for the Villa squad - eventually B. Meier will graduate and the Villa coaching staff has been working to groom C. Meier and Joslyn Thornberry (another 7th grader) to take over pitching duties in 3 years.

 

Hey LB, I believe you all play away tonight? Bummer - I wondered if you wanted to catch the Villa at Dayton game when B. Meier and BFF Grace Workman face each other. Always fun to play your friends from other schools...is that not one element of what makes HS athletics so amazing and memorable!

Best of luck to the NCC Breds tonight.

COOL!

 

Missed reading your posts.

 

Wow. You can tell I am out of practice posting this season.

Meant to reply to you with this section:

Hey LB, I believe you all play away tonight? Bummer - I wondered if you wanted to catch the Villa at Dayton game when B. Meier and BFF Grace Workman face each other. Always fun to play your friends from other schools...is that not one element of what makes HS athletics so amazing and memorable!

Best of luck to the NCC Breds tonight.