State champs ready to defend title

By MICKEY ALVARADO

A deep embankment surrounds two sides of Tecumseh's varsity softball field and fans have already begun eyeballing their favorite spots for laying out their blankets and chairs as the Indians prepare to defend their Division II state title.

A strong core of champions return back to the team and there is little difference from the familiar faces of last year. However, there are now many more players joining the overall program and the returning athletes have a much more confident look heading into preseason practices.

Four starting positions from the title team will need to be filled as the Indians lost their first baseman and two outfielders to graduation. Tecumseh's three-year starting centerfielder, Nikki Hughes, will be sidelined at the start of the season and it is unknown as to when she'll be back on the starting rotation.

Despite their losses, the Indians should start the season on top of the rankings with four other team members returning as four-year starters.

“I think preseason we are number one but, to be honest, I'd rather not be ranked,” said Tecumseh coach Kristalyn Smith. “We're not a surprise any more so we're going to have to play the season with a big target on our back.”

One of the returning starters helped the Indians to another state championship team trophy during the off season with Whitney Hastings being a member of Tecumseh's girls varsity bowling team. Hastings will step inside the circle looking to pick up a third state title to end her high school softball career. The other two pitchers on the team are junior Kaitlyn Kenyon and freshman Katie Kaliszuk.

Getting past home plate can be a nightmare for players heading in against Stayci Cook. She returns for her fourth season as the Indians starting catcher. Megan Oberst will backup the home plate position.

Chelsea Gonzalez has been working out extremely hard preparing for her fourth season as the Indians' third baseman. Melissa Havelka will also see time at third base as well as Caitlyn Dykas and Megan Oberst.

Jackie Barley may be small but she's packed a big gun for the last three seasons as the Indians' starting shortstop. Coach Smith mentioned no replacement player as Barley is expected to anchor the position throughout the season.

Bailey Brooks returns to second base as a junior and Oberst and Felkey will possibly back her up.

Stepping in at first base to replace Andrea Ford will be Maddi Benedict, who came on strong for the Indians as a sophomore last year. Felkey may also be used at first base if needed.

With Hughes unable to return to centerfield at the start the season due to shoulder surgery the team's three pitchers will rotate in and out of the outfield. Others who may be looked at are returning senior Danielle Prill, Kristen Kenyon and Felkey.
“All of these girls feel confident in our team,” said Smith. “We know that every single game that we play that our opponent is going to bring their best game. So there is no room for any mental or physical breakdowns. We really need to play solid from the start.”

It's been just days since the team had their first practice and it isn't too long before the first pitch of the season is thrown. The Indians are scheduled to open at Lenawee Christian on Tuesday, March 25, if the field conditions are adequate.

“We haven't played a game before Spring break at least since I've coached,” said Smith. “So this will be something new, but maybe it'll put a little more urgency into being ready.”

Brian Holeman returns again as an assistant to Smith but Jenny Carlson was replaced after leaving for a JV coaching position in Adrian. Smith replaced her assistant with someone she's known and counted on her entire life, her sister Ashley.