Young is a modifier that fits the 2016 Columbia High softball team like a glove.
The Bruins return four players from the 2015 club that went 2-13 under a new manager, Kaylene Herman.
The oldest of the group is junior Miranda Billette, now in her third season of varsity fastpitch. Billette is playing first base in 2016 after patrolling left field last year.
The other returnees are all sophomores and now second-year players: pitcher/-second baseman Amanda Waldron, catcher/shortstop Kathirin Hylton; and center fielder Kaycee Radke, last season’s first baseman.
Herman is expecting the foursome to be solid contributors on both sides of the ball.
She said Billette’s fundamentals and batting average have improved considerably since 2015.
“Miranda spent the off-season focusing on her bat swing and it has really shown the first three weeks of practice,” Herman noted. “She brings several years of softball experience and leadership to a relatively young team.”
Waldron returns as CHS’s primary pitcher and lead-off hitter.
“Our pitching bench isn’t very deep; however, Amanda will find limited pitching relief when we bring in freshman McKenzie Sutton,” Her-man said.
Waldron fashioned a .400 on-base percentage last year out of the lead-off spot and “her speed on the bases is phenomenal,” Herman noted.
Hylton is “a solid, all-around softball player,” Herman said. “As a coach, it’s exciting to watch her play.”
Hylton will be Waldron’s primary receiver (though Herman said she could play anywhere on the field because of her athleticism) and most likely will bat clean-up in the line-up. Freshman Lyndsie Moon will back up Hylton at catcher.
“Kathirin also spent time in the off-season working to improve her swing and hitting,” Herman said. During the last three weeks of practice, her hits have been really solid.”
Radke was an on-base machine for the Bruins last season and likely will bat second.
“Kaycee lays down a bunt really well, but also is a solid base hitter,” Herman said. “Last year Kaycee got on base every at bat, except one time.”
Defensively, Radke will be called on to take charge in center field, where she has displayed impressive speed and throwing range, according to her manager.
Herman is filling out the rest of her lineup card with freshmen and sophomores in key positions in the field and in the batting order.
Rookies McKenzie Chase and Gracie Vaughan will hold down third base and shortstop, respectively.
Herman said she has high expectations for these freshmen over the next four years.
“They have excellent fundamentals and skills, and most likely will be hitting third and fifth in the batting lineup, although McKenzie has the potential to be our second clean-up hitter in the bottom of the order,” noted Herman.
In any event, Herman said she plans to play around with the order during CHS’s first few non-league games to get an idea for a lineup that can produce runs.
Rounding out the roster are sophomores Katlyn Vermeire and Makayla Ogden, and frosh Jamin Andermatt, Sydney Vargas, Savannah Vargas, and Melody Nilson.
Currently, Moon and Sydney Vargas are slated to open in right and left field, respectively, though Vermeire is also pushing for playing time in right.
“We have four girls who have never played softball, and we have five girls who haven’t played since their time in the community league,” Herman said. “While we have a young team, the girls continue to impress me with their desire to work hard, commitment to our program, and strong work ethic. Since the season started I have seen so much improvement from all of them, and as a coach, it’s always exciting to see your players improve.”
Columbia was scheduled to open its 2016 season against Washougal with a non-league double-header in Bruin Ballpark. On Thurs-day, the Bruins are slated to play two versus Lyle/Wish-ram/Klickitat in Dallesport. They close out their non-league schedule March 29 with a return twinbill against the Cougars.
The Bruins start league play after spring break here, on April 12, versus Castle Rock. All told, CHS will play four three-game series with its four Trico League opponents: Castle Rock, La Center, Stevenson, and Kalama.
“We are using this year to work on our fundamentals and build the softball program at CHS,” Herman said. “Historically, softball at CHS has struggled to build tradition and create momentum. However, with a young team, I feel we have nowhere to go but up. ”
In 2015, the program’s 17th season, the Bruins won only two games; they went 0-12 against the league. This year, they play 18 total games.
“The 2016 team has set the goal of winning more games than they have in the past couple of years,” Herman said. “I am confident we can, and will, achieve that goal.”
COLUMBIA HIGH SOFTBALL 2016 SCHEDULE
3/22, Washougal (2), 3 pm
3/24, at Lyle (2), 3:30 pm
3/29, Lyle (2), 3:30 pm
Spring Break
4/12, Castle Rock (2)*, 4 pm
4/15, at Castle Rock*, 4 pm
4/19, La Center (2)*, 3:30 pm
4/22, at La Center*, 4 pm
4/26, at Stevenson (2)*, 3:30 pm
4/28, Stevenson*, 3:30 pm
5/3, at Kalama (2)*, 3:30 pm
5/6, Kalama*, 3:30 pm
Manager: Kaylene Herman
League: 1A Trico*
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