The 2023 Wautoma softball season brings with it excitement after accomplishing a 26-5 overall record, defending the SCC crown along with making it to the State Tournament.
Wisconsin weather is the only thing holding the Lady Hornets season back as they are anxiously waiting to compete. The beauty is the first three games will be at the Hodag Dome in Rhinelander on March 24-25. Wautoma softball lost three valuable seniors from last year in Bailey Blader-Lucht (2B), Bri Handel (P/1B) and Jalyn Piechowski (1B/P) who were a staple to the program’s success. Yet, the Hornets bring back a wealth of Varsity experience with six returning starters and twelve returning Varsity letter winners.
The team’s strength comes in terms of their overall experience as it pertains to situational ball offensively and defensively. Wautoma’s returners are Sr. Ava Stahl SS/P (1st Team SCC Unanimous INF/2nd Team All-State), Sr. Sydney Dunn 3B/C (2nd Team SCC INF), Sr. Ava Butt C (1st Team SCC Unanimous Catcher/Honorable Mention All-District), Jr. Brianna Buechner (1st Team SCC Unanimous OF) and Jr. Bryn Gunderson (2nd Team SCC OF).
Other upper classmen competing for the remaining positions will be Sr. Braelynn Pica OF/utility, Sr. Natalie Perkins DP/1B, So. Liv Cieslik P/IF, So. Liv Weiss 2B/RF, So. Larissa Piechowski 1B/P, So. Kendall Gustke 1B/Utility and So. Bella Smith C/OF. Furthermore, there might be a few other sophomores looking for the opportunity to shine too.
Wautoma will be challenged this year to retain the SCC crown with very competitive Westfield Pioneer, Adams-Friendship and Wisconsin Dells teams. Furthermore, the Nekoosa Papermakers will look to knock off teams.
The Lady Hornet’s season opener was this past March 24/25 at Rhinelander, with the first home opener not until Thursday, April 14 against conference foe Westfield Pioneer.
You can follow along as to when games are by getting a Wautoma Softball fundraiser card, check on the Wautoma Area School District website or search the team on Wissports.net and go to the tabs Softball, South Central Conference and Wautoma.
