By Dan Truttschel~Sports Correspondent
The 2012 season ended in stellar fashion for the Westosha Central softball team, as the Falcons closed the spring at the WIAA Division 1 State Tournament in Madison.
Where the recently begun 2013 campaign ends remains to be seen – but there’s little doubt the Falcons have plenty of firepower left to take another shot at the big dance.
Central returns five starters and seven players total with plenty of big-game experience from the squad that finished 22-7 a year ago. The Falcons lost 1-0 in nine innings to Appleton East in the state quarterfinals.
One thing is certain, and that’s the Falcons will not sneak up on anybody in 2013.
“We know we’re not the dark horse this year and that our games have been circled on many teams’ schedules,” Central co-coach Tom Lampe said. “We would obviously love to repeat but our team goals never change from year to year.”
Lampe, who coaches the team with his wife, Konnie, said he’s not too concerned that this team will struggle with its focus.
The girls know what’s at stake and how to get where they want to be, he said.
“We don’t really vary what we do or what we say,” Lampe said. “I think the team understands the expectations, and I think they are as hard on themselves as we (are as coaches).”
Seniors back on the roster this spring for the Falcons are Brittany Blazich (infield-outfield), Sarah Fonk (pitcher) and Maggie McMullin (infield). They are joined by juniors Taylor Bergles (infield-outfield-pitcher), Larkin Langston (infield), Liz Fonk (catcher), Hailey Jester (infield-catcher), Haley Sporel (outfield-pitcher), Miranda Page (outfield-pitcher) and Aliyha Willis (outfield).
Also on the roster are sophomore Brienna Bostanche (infield-outfield) and Kayla Konwent (infield-catcher).
Having so many players back from a team that advanced all the way to state should help this spring, Lampe said.
“We return five starters and seven players (total) that have a lot of big-game experience,” he said. “We hit well and have solid pitching.”
That’s not to say Central doesn’t have things to work on – every team does – and that begins with bringing the new players along in the Falcons’ system, Lampe said.
“We need to incorporate the new players in,” he said. “The bench (also) needs some experience.”
The Lampes will turn to Sarah Fonk and Blazich as two of the main leaders this year, Tom Lampe said.
As a junior, Fonk was 17-1 in the circle with a 0.88 earned run average. She allowed just 13 earned runs in 104 innings, struck out 121 and walked 19.
Blazich batted .467 a year ago (50 for 107) with 13 stolen bases and 35 runs scored.
Before the Falcons can make plans for a return-trip to Madison, the first item on their agenda is to wrestle the Southern Lakes Conference title from rival Wilmot.
The Panthers have won the last four SLC crowns and are among several teams that could compete for the title this spring, Lampe said. Wilmot, Central and Union Grove tied for the championship last year at 12-2.
“I think the conference is wide open and several teams could win it, including Waterford, Union Grove, Wilmot and Burlington,” he said.