By Chris Bennett
Sports Correspondent
There is nothing mystical or obtuse about expectations this season for the Burlington High School softball team.
Head coach Gary Caliva expects the Demons to be better.
“Last year didn’t leave me with a bitter taste” Kaliva said. “We played hard in every game last year but one. We’re a little more talented this year than we were last year.”
The Demons finished 8-14 over last season and 4-10 in the Southern Lakes Conference.
Burlington’s season ended May 23 in a 12-1 loss to Westosha Central at Salem in a WIAA Division 1 regional final. The Demons defeated Stoughton 3-1 May 21 in a regional semifinal game at Stoughton.
Caliva said the Demons lost five seniors to graduation and have six new players on the team this season.
Danielle Koenen and Randee Jackson are expected to be the Demons’ top two pitchers. Caliva said the fastball is each pitcher’s best pitch, and that they both locate the ball well.
Jackson will also play at first base and in the outfield.
Chyanne Onstad hit better than .400 in SLC play last season, and Tayln Lewis hit .316, according to Caliva.
“We hope they’ll be a little better than last year, and I don’t see any reason why they wouldn’t be,” Caliva said.
Onstad will play at catcher and third base, and Lewis will play on the infield. Captain Adriana Bird will also catch and play second base. Freshman Kira Allen is also expected to contribute offensively.
“Were not sure yet,” said Caliva when asked what type of offense the Demons will employ. “We’ve got a couple of things in mind, and we’ll see.”
Caliva said the Demons are in early-season flux due to time lost outside.
“We’ve been outside on the infield one day,” Caliva said. “We haven’t had a lot of opportunities to see them in game situations. We’re still working on it. We’re still trying to get out.”
A scrimmage scheduled for March 22 against Beloit Turner and an invitational March 29 at Racine Case High School were cancelled due to weather.
Burlington opens its season April 8 in a SLC game at home against Delavan-Darien.
“One of our goals is to be in the upper half of the conference,” Caliva said. “I think we have a chance at that this year. I think we’re better this year and I think we’ll compete in our conference better than we did last year.”
-
-
-
-
-