By TYLER HENRY
Salina Post contributor
With opening day scheduled for Thursday, the Southeast of Saline softball team is gearing up for what should be another exciting season on the heels of a 16-6 campaign last year.
Despite graduating five seniors, the Lady Trojans return their entire lineup from a year ago, including all three of their pitchers in Bryna Baird, Lexi Jacobson, and Carly Commerford, who all boast ace-like stuff in the circle as part of a loaded rotation.
“Having those three back for another season is really exciting and as a coach, I feel really spoiled,” SES head coach Pesha Ptacek said. “Sometimes it’s tricky to figure out how to use them all best but luckily they’re very unselfish players and they’re willing to do whatever it takes to put the team in the best position to win.”
Defensively, Maddie Harris is expected to reprise her role as the Lady Trojan backstop, with Carly Commerford joining Brielle Ptacek, Chase Gilpin, and Kimber Ogorzolka on the infield while Jayci Burgardt, Lexi Jacobson, and Savannah Sutton patrol the outfield.
With another year of experience and another season of summer ball under their belts, this year’s Southeast squad will be eager to get back on the diamond when they square off with Smoky Valley on Thursday.
“I’ve often been gifted with softball-savvy girls who have worked with very good summer coaches,” Ptacek said. “It’s awesome to have girls with a competitive softball background and as a team, our understanding of the game is very high. It also feels like the first time in forever that we have a truly veteran group.”
After falling just short of an NCAA title, and dropping their semifinal matchup in last year’s regional tournament, expectations in Gypsum will be exceptionally high for a team with the potential to make some real noise in Class 3A.
“We’ve had good seasons in the past but not good enough,” Ptacek said. “Missing out on the league championship last year was a blow and they’re planning to take that back come hell or high water. Honestly, anything short of a regional championship would be disappointing to this group, making it back to Manhattan is definitely the goal.”
SES will make the short trip up the road to Lindsborg on Thursday for a pair of games with the Smoky Valley Lady Vikings, with first pitch scheduled for 3:30.
For continuing coverage of Southeast softball all season long, stay tuned to the Salina Post.