By Chris Parker
Warsaw softball will play its first spring season this year. The last time the Lady Wildcats took the field was the fall of 2019 where they went 20-5 overall and won the Class 2 District 9 title before coming up one game short of a final four.
Now, Warsaw will have to shake off the rust after not playing at all in 2020.
“Since we didn’t play in 2020 at all, it does seem like a long time. I have girls that play travel ball, so they have been on the field. Several don’t, so it will definitely be a new experience for them,” Warsaw head coach Steve Larson said.
Seniors Kylee Fajen (pitcher) and Aspen Walker (outfield) and juniors Taylor Howe (catcher) and Karlie Jones (infield) will be team leaders for Warsaw.
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Fajen, an Evangel University commit, threw 57.1 innings with 76 strikeouts and a 1.71 ERA in 2019. She earned first-team all-conference honors at pitcher for her efforts. At the plate, Fajen hit .327 with 16 runs scored.
“She (Fajen) has improved her spin rate, her speed, and her ability to throw several pitches every year,” Larson said. “Kylee is tough as nails with a dynamic personality. She relies on her faith and her God given talent to be the best.”
Howe may move to shortstop if one of Warsaw’s new players can handle the catching duties. Jones is a two-year starter at first base. Junior Madison Coskey will play one of the infield positions.
Whitaker will anchor the outfield after she hit .327 with 12 RBI and 14 runs scored in 2019. Sophomore Faith Tharaldson will also look for time in the outfield.
The switch to spring coupled with graduating six starters from the fall 2019 team have many question marks on tap for Warsaw.
“I have a lot of unknowns because of the switch to spring. There will be volleyball players I’ve never seen. My upperclassmen will definitely have to lead the way,” Larson said. “With all the positions open we will have to gel as a team quickly. Softball season doesn’t last long. Other than conference schools who also made the jump to spring, many of our opponents will be new.”
This group will look to transition Warsaw’s fall tradition to the spring. That tradition includes seven district titles, four state quarterfinal appearances and a state title in 2010 since 2007.
Larson will look to his assistants to help get his team ready to go. Those assistants include Kelli Eierman at pitching coach. Eierman was the pitcher on the final four team in 2010. Megan Daleske was a shortstop on that 2010 team and will also assist.
Warsaw opens the season on Mar. 27 at Lincoln.
