Ridgewood softball team eyes strong season

This season the Ridgewood Lady Generals varsity softball team returns to a program that looks a little different. A new turf field gives these Lady Generals a facility that matches the standard the team set on it last spring.

Five seniors from that championship squad graduated, but it’s not the positions or statistics head coach Amber Bates misses the most.

“I would say their leadership and their ability to keep the team motivated, even when we were down,” she said. “In all my years of coaching, they are at the top of the list.”

Three-year starting shortstop and top bat Maggie Shannon went down with a knee injury before last season found its footing. Ava Kulbacki had a reliable presence in the circle and in the lineup. Miciah Cahill moved wherever she was needed including behind the plate, where a hand injury limited her until the district run. Alexis Starkey anchored the outfield. Kaylee Kunze was clutch in the moments that demanded a hit or a perfectly placed bunt.

But seven returners are back, five of them former starters. An experienced and senior-heavy infield definitely favors the Lady Generals.

“This experience and solid field make our hopes for this year high,” Bates said. “Our expectation for this year is to keep the tradition rolling and drive the will to win each night we are on the field.”

Senior Keira Schrock brings a big bat and anchors third. Senior Kaydence Lahna returns to short with a smooth glove, top-end speed and a knack for getting on base. Senior Rilyn Medley has a consistent presence at second. Three-year starter and senior Addison Lahmers doubles as the team’s ace and power hitter.

“She gets better each year,” the coach said of Lahmers. “Her determination this year is already showing. She has goals she wants to achieve and the mindset to reach them.”

If the seniors set the tone, three juniors are being asked to expand their roles in ways that will define the season. Pru Fechuch, Alyza Fender and Kyndal Craigo are expected to cover the outfield and contribute in the lineup.

“These three have a lot of expectations, and we look for them to fill and adjust to their roles,” Bates said.

Both Fechuch and Fender have mound experience, giving Ridgewood depth most programs would envy.

And that depth continues with the freshmen class, as several of them are expected to contribute to the varsity immediately.

Jayden Jaros arrives with speed and spin in the circle. Brittleigh Bates steps in behind the plate and brings pop to the lineup. Radison Medley and Kelsey Medley will see time in the batting order while Olivia Harding and Lacey Woller will contribute on the bases. Sophomore Brayleigh Cox, a utility infielder, rounds out the mix.

“I am hoping their experience with playing travel softball helps keep the pressure from getting to them,” Bates said. “We will work hard at every practice and learn from our mistakes and errors — those are not what define us.”

Last year’s success only sharpened the focus for this season, especially for the varsity newcomers.

“Expectations don’t change. We are still Ridgewood softball with or without a district championship and to be better than we were at the beginning of the year,” Bates said.

The first step, however, isn’t tactical; it’s relational — building trust between the veterans and freshmen.

If everything clicks by May, Bates sees a team playing deep into the postseason, competing not only in the IVC with the best, but also a return trip to the district championship game and carrying the program’s identity forward.

“They never give up. They keep fighting and are always wanting more. No matter the situation or the team we are playing, they are hungry for more,” Bates said.

And what won’t you see in a box score?

“Their willingness to take accountability and want to get better each day. They are always wanting to know what they can do differently or how they can get better for the next at-bat or the next game,” Bates said.

That’s the part that won’t fit in a stat line but in a season built on replacing something historic, and that might be the most important number of all.

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