Thursday, March 28, 2024

Cascade softball team aims to defend their league title

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After going 17-5 last year, the Cascade Kodiaks return in 2018 with a new coach and high hopes of defending their Caribou Trail League championship from last season. New coach Todd Gilbert is no stranger to Cascade softball. Most of the league and district banners at the field came from his teams. He feels strongly the Kodiaks can compete for the league title.
“I think we’re right in the same position to be in the battle for the title. They are a great group of kids working really hard. I’m seeing some good talent. I think they should have very high expectations,” Gilbert said.
There is a strong core of Kodiaks returning this season.
“I think have some strong kids. We seem to be pretty strong up the middle. We have two or three girls that can pitch. Some good infielders up the middle. I think that really helps us out,” Gilbert said.
Junior hurler Sarah Paulson returns to the circle in 2018 with two years experience under her belt. Gilbert is looking for some big things from the pitching staff. He’s brought in as an assistant one of the top hurlers in Kodiak history, Taliyah Riddick-Waters.
“I think we’re really good. The proof will be when we get going. In the gym, we looked good. The girls are working hard. They are listening to coach Riddick-Waters very well, trying to apply the things she’s bringing in. They seem to having fun, so that’s a big plus,” Gilbert said.
The unquestioned offensive leader last season was Sarah Pickel, who batted over .500 for the year. She’s gone, but there is good offensive talent coming back, like sophomore Truh Merriman and junior Kaija Lovelady.
“I think pitching and defense will be really important. I think to start the year, we’ll be able to build a top half of the lineup that is pretty strong. We’ll be looking for improvement in the back half of the lineup. That could be a difference maker. That’s an area somebody could step up and earn a spot,” he said.
Defensively, Gilbert said he is still sorting through the positions.
“Since we’ve been indoors, there are a lot of decisions that aren’t made yet. Predominantly, Truh Merriman and Sarah Paulson will be rotating at pitcher-shortstop. Kaina Lovelady can pitch. She is an outfielder so that could cause us to rotate differently,” Gilbert said. “I think we’re strong up the middle. Madeline Scheifelbein is a really good second baseman, very solid. Another player that deserves some credit is Andrea Sorensen. She is a senior catcher. She has been a very strong leader for this team. She grew as a player a great deal last year and had a very good summer as well.”
Last season ended in the district playoffs against Colville. Gilbert said his players remember that only too well.
“Our team goal is to get better each week and focus on the little things and improve and get better each week. I do know inside some of these girls, that stung a bit, being one game from state and not get there. It’s in their memory. That fire is good so we’re trying to channel that into everyday working hard and getting better,” Gilbert said.
Last season, Cascade was 9-3 in league, Omak 8-4, Cashmere and Chelan 5-7 and Okanogan 3-9. Gilbert said he’s been calling his contacts to get information on the league teams. He’s been away for five years.
“What I’m hearing, Okanogan was young last year and should be better. In the spring, you don’t know until you get out there because there’s so many opportunities for kids to go do things. All of sudden, one of your best players does track or something like that. Then, you’re not quite the same team,” Gilbert said. “From what I hear, Okanogan. Our motto is respect all our opponents. Cashmere with Haley Van Lith. That is a factor. “
There are 18 girls turning out, so Gilbert said they are figuring out a JV schedule. Cascade opens the season on Thursday at home against 4A Wenatchee. On Friday, they host Lynden Christian, whose girls’ basketball team just won the 1A title. On Tuesday, they host 2A Ephrata.
Ian Dunn can be reached at 548-5286 or editor@leavenworthecho.com.

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