EN Softball: Already in Full Swing!

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The diamond itself might be buried under some January snow, but the girls of East Noble’s softball team are already hard at work nonetheless. To hone their skills, which have been truly formidable in past seasons, the team is holding about two open gyms every week.

“[W]e basically get back into the swing of things with throwing and drills in the gym,” said senior Kelli Brennan, a veteran from last year’s varsity softball team. “Pitchers get the chance to practice, and we all just kind of get to know each other.”

Marissa Burkhart has returned this year to coach the varsity team once again, and she has “loved the turnout to the open gyms thus far.” Since softball is 90 percent mental, Burkhart will need to ensure that her girls can make quick and smart decisions this season. Since the team’s first game is on April 7, she has plenty of time to prepare them.

“Coach Burkhart does a fantastic job with the softball program,” said Nick David, the school activities director. “Year in and year out, our Lady Knights are very competitive and one of the top teams to beat in our area. It is a credit to the coaching staff and the hard work by the players!”

The varsity team’s last season boasted 19 wins and only eight losses as well as four home run hits. The girls managed to beat teams from schools like Norwell, Lakeland, and West Noble, but they were defeated by Leo, Homestead, and DeKalb, East Noble’s longtime rival. They ultimately lost to Carroll at sectionals.

The team’s roster of 10 students consisted of four seniors and six juniors. Many, if not all, of these juniors will return to the team this year as seniors, including Brennan. Several students from last year’s junior varsity team will join their ranks this season as well.

The girls of the junior varsity team showcased their potential last year by winning 18 of their 20 games. They also claimed the final victory at the DeKalb invite. In the end, only Leo and Homestead managed to defeat them. Their roster consisted of seven freshmen, six sophomores, and one junior. Phil Carroll will return this year as their coach.

Team tryouts will take place on Monday, March 7. Until then, the students of East Noble High School are wishing the girls good luck this year. With the guidance and support they will receive from each other and their coaches, the girls will likely enjoy another successful season.

“I’m most looking forward to working with the other seniors to make this a winning season,” said Brennan, “but more specifically finally taking what we deserve against DeKalb High School when we play them.”