The Becker Bulldog girls softball team finished fourth at state last year, getting a small taste of what they had hoped would be a state championship.

 

With that taste not fully quenched, this year’s squad is eyeing the prize and with their determination and grit — they just may hoist that coveted trophy come June.

 

Head Coach Jason Baune is heading into his 14th year and his squads have always been right in the mix year-in and year-out. Even with the influx of new players and the departure of graduates, Baune has consistently pulled together quality teams with quality players and this year is no exception.

 

“We have girls on this team that just want to win and just want to work hard and be their very best,” he said. “A lot of these girls have been part of other teams — like gymnastics, volleyball and basketball — who have also had a lot of success and that success just bleeds over onto other teams. These kids, especially this senior class — are very coachable and they make me look good with their hard work.”

 

Those seniors include Payton Williams, Alexa Hanowski, Erika Schwartz, Hailey Fitzpatrick and Rachel Thiesse. They know this is their final sports season in their high school careers and they plan to go all out for thier coach, thier team and their school.

 

“I’m excited for this season but also a little sad,” said Schwartz. “Being a Bulldog is really special and leaving this team and school will be very hard. But I plan on making this final season extra special.”

 

Hanowski — who just completed a successful fourth place placing at state in basketball — couldn’t agree more.

 

“I think this final year of softball is going to be great,” she said. “A lot of us aren’t playing our last year of softball since many of us are probably gonna play in college, but as far as playing for Becker, this is our chance to go out on top.”

 

Baune has had his teams play in the Section 5AAA finals seven of the last eight years and he knows his kids realize their dreams are attainable.

 

“These girls have tasted success and they have such determination — nothing can stop them but themselves.”

 

Last years’ squad went 17-1 during the regular season while scoring 143 runs in 18 games. Graduate Haley Harmon was the team’s top pitcher as she recorded 99 strikeouts in 63 innings pitched.

 

Hailey Fitzpatrick led the team in batting average (.476), stolen bases (13) and RBIs (17) and is fierce both on defense and in the batter’s box.

 

“I hope to have fun this year and help our team get back to state,” she said. “I’m working on not getting in too deep in the mental game and not have it affect my overall game. I want us to win but we need to enjoy the ride, too.”

 

Schwartz led the Bulldogs during the regular season with two home runs and tied with Williams for most runs scored (18). Williams got the most free passes (14 BOB) and led the team with six doubles.

 

“I think we have more talent this year so I expect us to go even farther in the tournament than last year,” Williams said.

 

Hanowski is the team’s fire and when she gets stoked, the team starts blazing. She is the inspirational leader on the team and her influence on the underclassmen is recognizable.

 

“I like this team’s work ethic and that drive is what should propel us to another great season, “ she said.

 

Thiesse likes the comradery her team exudes.

 

“Everyone gets along and it’s fun to be part of a group of girls that gets along so well,” she said. “I’m excited to see what we can do this year.”

 

Baune will be relying on junior Brianna Corey as the team’s ace on the mound with eighth-grader Corrie Weise being called upon to toe the rubber in both JV and varsity games.

 

Baune has Jesse O’Neill, Matt O’Neill and Sara Peterson as assistant coaches and Emma Eickhoff and Jersey Fitzpatrick as student managers. The team consists of Corrie Weise, Kayla Mittelstaedt, Kaylin Wiehle, Tina Martell, Ellie Schwartz, Brianna Corey, Payton Williams, Alexa Hanowski, Erika Schwartz, Hailey Fitzpatrick, Brinley Zoller, Rachel Thiesse, Megan Hoppe, Payton Bernstrom and Sydney Lamott.

 

Their first game is April 7 at Little Falls and their first home game is April 28 against Foley.