Lady Panthers start softball season with a bang

Junior University of Wisconsin-Green Bay commit Kalyssa Koehn is one of several Lady Panthers expected to take a key role in Wilmot's season. Koehn, a shortstop, was noted for her strong arm by coach Pat Dopke (Photo courtesy of Rick Koehn).
Junior University of Wisconsin-Green Bay commit Kalyssa Koehn is one of several Lady Panthers expected to take a key role in Wilmot’s season. Koehn, a shortstop, was noted for her strong arm by coach Pat Dopke (Photo courtesy of Rick Koehn).

Wilmot drubs Lake Geneva 23-0

By Jason Arndt
Staff Writer

In a highly competitive Southern Lakes Conference, Lady Panthers softball coach Pat Dopke knows the 2016 season presents a series of challenges, including front-runner and WIAA Division 1 state champion Westosha Central.

But, if Wilmot’s meetings against the Lady Falcons last year – and the Lady Panthers 23-0 season-opening blowout against Lake Geneva Badger is any indication – there should be no shortage of fireworks in 2016.

“Knocking off Central is a tall order, and we came close to doing it twice last year,” said Dopke, pointing to one-run losses in both regular and post-season play in 2015.

In 2015, the Lady Panthers finished third in the SLC (9-4), 2 1/2 games behind Union Grove and 3 1/2 from first-place Westosha Central.

However, Wilmot Union High School returns a bulk of its lineup, including first-team all-SLC shortstop Kalyssa Koehn, a junior commit to the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay.

As a sophomore, Koehn accounted for a team-leading .429 batting average, knocked in 21 runs, and struck out just four times in 103 plate appearances.

Koehn opened the 2016 season with a bang, going 5-for-5 with seven RBIs and three RBIs in the 23-0 win against Lake Geneva.

“Kalyssa Koehn had a greatly improved season offensively last year,” Dopke said. “She is also one of the fastest girls on the team, and she has a very good glove with probably the strongest arm on the team.”

Defensively, Koehn is without her double-play partner from last season, senior second baseman Sawyer Wightman, who had season-ending shoulder surgery.

While Wightman hopes to return in the playoffs, Dopke acknowledged it will be difficult to replace a letter-winner and on-field leader.

“Sawyer’s experience will be missed,” Dopke said.

Senior Shauna Lass, who had limited action last year, is first in line to play second base. She scored two runs with an RBI against Badger.

Dopke believes four-year starters, catcher Alyssa Horn and outfielder Sam Schloegel could have remarkable seasons.

Horn finished with a team-leading three home runs last year and Schloegl hit at a .348 clip with five stolen bases.

Additionally, Schloegl finished third in runs scored with 20.

“Schloegl brings speed and a left-handed bat to the lineup, while Horn brings experience behind the plate,” Dopke said.

In the win against Badger, Horn went 2-5, scored twice with two RBIs. Schloegel plated three as the leadoff hitter.

Junior outfielder Taylor Danielson, who stole a team-leading seven bases a year ago, is the center fielder.

On the mound, Dopke expects junior Sarah Hutchinson to shoulder the load, after splitting time with Lauren Orszula gone to graduation.

Hutchinson notched a five-inning no-hitter against Badger to start the season, walked one and struck out four.

“She got about half of the innings last year, and should get a majority of the innings this year,” said Dopke.

“She relies on her command making the ball move,” he added.

Hutchinson contributed in the batters box, hitting 3-for-4 with stolen base and run scored.

Newcomers Riley Regnier, a junior first baseman, along with sophomores Hayli Richards and Montana Platts could have formidable roles this year.

Regnier belted a 3-run home run, hit 3-for-5, scored twice with four RBIs in the season-opener. Richards, a third baseman, added a 2-run home run and went 2-for-5 against Badger.


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