Softball squad return all key components
By Jason Arndt
Staff Writer
Even after Westosha Central High School won two of the last three WIAA Division 1 state softball titles, there are no guarantees, according to co-head coach Tom Lampe.
The Lady Falcons, a team that finished 28-4, captured a Southern Lakes Conference title (13-1) and won a 3-0 state title match against Watertown returns nearly its entire squad.
“It is important to remember this is more of a marathon than a sprint, and that it’s easy to get caught up in the hype,” said Lampe, who coaches with Konnie. “With all that said, nothing is guaranteed and this is a very good area for softball.”
Returning for Westosha Central are Kayla Konwent (senior), Alyssa Hrncar (junior), Chy Onstad (senior), Elaine Andersen (senior), Julia Jester (senior), Kira Mickelson (junior), Olivia Klean (junior), Carrie Weis (junior), Sarai Roberts (junior) and sophomore Jenna Kontaxis.
The battery duo of Konwent and Hrncar, whom both collected numerous first-team honors locally and statewide, are returning for another season.
Konwent batted .630 with a state record 21 home runs, and knocked in 49 runs along with 48 walks and just two strikeouts.
“What can I say about Kayla that hasn’t already been said?” Lampe said. “She is one of the best hitters in the state, if not the best.”
The slugging catcher’s battery mate, Hrncar, compiled a 25-3 record, fanned 231 hitters through 183 innings and accounted for a 0.78 ERA.
Hrncar, who served as the Lady Falcons switch-hitting leadoff hitter, collected 45 hits and hit .381 with 39 runs scored.
“Alyssa is the other reason why we’ve had so much success,” Lampe said. “She has been our top pitcher since she arrived at Central.”
The leadoff hitter sets the tone for sluggers Konwent, Onstad and Mickelson.
Onstad, a third baseman and University of Wisconsin-Green Bay commit, hit .459 with four home runs and 38 RBIs and had 69 total bases.
“Chy is the key protection behind Kayla and she embraces that challenge. She is a lockdown third baseman and a key component to our success.”
Rounding out the left side of the infield is Northern Illinois commit Mickelson, who batted .434 with 37 RBIs and 24 runs scored.
The shortstop demonstrated poise on the diamond, possessing a .935 fielding percentage.
“Kira is probably the most overlooked player on the team,” Lampe said. “She helps Chyanne in protecting Kayla, and like Chy, was devastating in the state tournament series.”
Mickelson’s double-play mate, Andersen, a second baseman is coming off a season where she collected 20 hits with 11 RBI and compiled a .917 fielding percentage.
Klean, who batted .265 with 27 hits and 22 RBI, is expected to return as the Lady Falcons’ first baseman.
Lampe noted the first baseman can also spell Hrncar on the mound, where she compiled a 3.76 ERA, struck out 12 and produced a 3-1 record last year.
“(Klean) was our second pitcher and had several big games in that role as well,” he said. “In many programs she would be the main pitcher.”
Kontaxis, a fleet-footed utility player, will see more playing time and could replace departing outfielder Brooke Biedrzycki on defense. The utility player stole five bases, scored 23 runs and batted .294 as a switch-hitter.
Jester, a right fielder last year, where she produced a 1.000 fielding percentage, expects a transition to center field.
“(Julia) has great range, a sure glove and a great arm,” Lampe said.
Also, Roberts and Weis anticipate more playing time.
On a team stacked with returning starters, it allows more time to develop newcomers Kayla Kerkman, a sophomore, and freshman Becca Edwards.
While the Lady Falcons are pursuing another state title, standing in the way are SLC foes, Wilmot Union, Union Grove and Burlington.
“Wilmot is certainly one of the teams we will be watching as well as perennial power Union Grove,” Lampe said. “This is a very formidable conference we know we have to take every team seriously or we will pay the price.”