Photo courtesy of Photoworks Pictured above is the Wabasso softball team. Team members include: Hannah Scheiber, Madeline Hanna, Callie Burns, Sophia Hanna, Annabelle Struntz, Addisyn Hillesheim, Avery Carlson, Halle Huhnerkoch, Kylee Fogelson, Sarah Franta, Cassidy Irlbeck, Kelsey Frank, Kelsey Fischer and Kylei Wilkinson.

WABASSO – With nearly two years passed since the Wabasso softball team last took the field, coach Tiffany Eichten is hoping the athletic versatility of her roster will help her fill in some unknowns caused by the long layoff.

“We have quite a few girls with varsity experience who are very versatile,” Eichten said. “We have done quite a bit of rearranging, but they are all filling their roles quite well.”

The Rabbits return eight players who have varsity experience, including five starters. With their versatility to adapt to new roles, the coaching staff has used the early portion of the schedule to hone in on the team’s best lineup.

“With the nice weather we really have been able to get out and see where we are at and try out different line ups to see what combination works best,” Eichten said. “Now that we have narrowed it down, we will be able to focus on some things to really help clean up our game.”

Sarah Franta will be pitching and playing shortstop for Wabasso in 2021, as will Avery Carlson. In the outfield, Eichten expects Madeline Hanna and Halle Huhnerkoch to be key contributors. Kelsey Frank will be transitioning this season from second base to catcher.

Eichten has high hopes for her team in 2021.

“With this group of girls a deep run into playoffs should be on the radar,” she said. “We have a lot of versatility and once we get things tweaked here and there I am hopeful that we will be where we need to be. As always, the regular season really helps us prepare for where we need to be and that is one of the things I really like about our conference is it’s always very competitive.”

Eichten is looking for players who will step up into leadership roles.

“I think just really finding a couple leaders who will step up and take control of the game,” she said. “They were all young when we left the field a couple years ago, so we are looking forward to a couple people stepping into that role.”

For a softball lifer like Eichten, she is glad to be able to get back out on the field with her team.

“So many memories and lessons are made and learned throughout a season and not having a season last year was really tough,” she said. “Softball has been a part of my life since I was little and has now become a part of my own growing family and all of these girls I am blessed enough to coaches life as well. I am looking forward to the lifelong lessons and memories that will be made this year.”