With an "up and down" season in the rearview mirror, the Greencastle softball team is looking to make some noise during the upcoming campaign. 

To do so, however, the Tiger Cubs will have to replace six starting seniors who contributed a lot to the program, according to coach Amy Coons. 

 

"We had the components to be successful, but struggled at times. We had six starting seniors who contributed a lot to the program, and they will certainly be missed this season. One thing that stands out is definitely the county tournament championship. We were coming off Greencastle's first county championship in 14 years the season before, and had high expectations last season. Losing that game in North Putnam in 12 innings was heartbreaking, but seeing how well our freshman pitcher dominated the circle and rose to the challenge was exciting," Coons told The Putnam County Post. 

 

First, when you look back on last year, what are some things that stand out and how do you think things went?

 

Greencastle has enjoyed a successful off-season, and the Tiger Cubs are excited to get the season started, Coons said. 

 

"A lot of our girls worked very hard in the off-season on their travel teams. It's fun to keep up with the girls and see how they keep working hard away from the high school team. We have some of the same goals as last year. We always want to be battling for a county title. Another goal we have is that we want to rebuild our starting lineup to be successful after losing two-thirds of it to graduation. It's exciting to be so young, but it's going to be a transitional time as well," Coons admitted. 

 

Returning for the Tigers Cubs this season is pitcher Ali Hassler, who broke the single season strikeout record last year with 213 strikeouts. 

 

"We are fortunate to have such an amazing pitcher that we will really lean on this year. She set the strikeout goal after the first game when she had 17 strikeouts against Clay City. We knew that we had to do whatever it took to help her break it. She's worked so hard in the off-season, so I only see her getting stronger," Coons said. 

 

Also, the lone senior this year is Allie Beaman. 

 

"In just a week of official practices, she has really stepped up and shown she can be a leader. We also are bringing back juniors Haley Iseman and Emma West, who we know are talented and will help to lead our team," Coons said. 

 

Greencastle will also lean heavily on freshman Katie Detro, according to Coons. 

 

"We lost three amazing catchers and are fortunate to be gaining her to fill that role. She's likely going to catch every game for us. She has been so impressive at practice, and I am looking forward to seeing the connection she and Ali develop," Coons said. 

 

Coons said she expects county to be tough again this year. 

 

"I think all four county schools are getting better and better every year and getting more talent coming up from middle school. I think every time we have Ali on the mound, we have a good shot. With the county being so early in the year, we are focused on working to make sure we have the offense to compliment her defense," Coons said. 

 

And, she expects Greencastle to contend for a sectional crown. 

 

"In sectional last year, we lost a game to South Vermillion we felt we should have won. Ali will have more experience and confidence this year. Her nerves definitely got to her. We will be more prepared this year and come back ready to compete," Coons said.