By: Jazmin Schwark
You could call them a team, but when asked, the girl softball players will tell you they are a family. Players are getting minds and hearts alike ready for the state tournament Friday, Oct. 19 and Saturday, Oct. 20. Senior Sallie Croissant said, “The fact that we are going to state is almost unbelievable, almost unrealistic, like a dream.” Croissant said that achieving this goal was a struggle, but was one set since the very first practice. Injuries have taken their toll on the softball team. Last week, Kaci Jurgensmeier (16) took a ball to the face, leaving her with a with a black eye. Her sister Carly Jurgensmeier (12) has been out since basketball season last year with an ACL reconstruction, but she said the injury has not stopped her from being part of the family. Carolyn Aguirre (12) broke her wrist at the beginning of the season out on the field when she was covering first. Injuries have forced players to move positions..
But despite their injuries their spirits are high. Morgan Schumacher (14) said, “We just keep improving. All of us are really optimistic.” One thing that has brought this team together more than anything has been the team bonding. Freshman Meagan Hawthorn said that every Wednesday night the girls all bring a dish to Aguirre’s house to have a team dinner. The dinners have allowed the team to become closer. They are able to tell secrets and share jokes knowing that they can trust one another.Hawthorn said. The softball family will give it everything they have in order to win in Aurora this weekend. And maybe a golden trophy can serve as the centerpiece at the next team dinner.