58th article at the Independent

SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW: Wabasso softball

CHRIS DRUMMOND cdrummond@marshallindependent.com

WABASSO — The Wabasso softball team has been on the doorstep of the state tournament multiple times in the last few years, including a section championship appearance in 2018 and most recently finishing third in the section last year. Now, with eighth-year head coach Tiffany Eichten at the helm, the Rabbits are looking to improve on those results and are ready to make a statement in the Tomahawk Conference.

Despite having one senior on the team (first baseman Kelsey Fischer), Wabasso has a mix of veteran leadership and youth, led by catcher Kelsey Frank, third baseman Sophia Hanna and utility player Avery Carlson. Eichten talked about the hunger and fire she sees in the team this season.

“A majority of the girls were on the squad last year that finished third in the section,” Eichten said.“They know what it feels like to compete in big games and I think the ending of last season made them hungry for more. It has been exciting to see the fire and drive behind the girls this year.”

Due to the inclement weather, the Rabbits have had to use creativity when it comes to practice being inside.

“Inside practice always adds an extra level of creativity,” Eichten said. “I think it has been a great opportunity to fine-tune a couple of key components in our offense and defense that we have struggled with in the past.”

Eichten added how she has a great group of girls who really love the game of softball and strive for excellence on the field and in the classroom. Having fun and being able to improve each game is something the Rabbits want to do throughout the season. When it came to talking about expectations, Eichten wants to see her players dialed in and focused for the entirety of the game.

“Staying focused and dialed in for all seven innings,” Eichten said. “I think that’s what left us disappointed after last season. We had a lot of close ballgames that were determined by one or two runs. I think having experience and leadership in key positions will be huge for us this year.”