Grace Bonczek, sophomore, takes her position at third base on Wednesday, Oct. 19. From there, the team would win against Lindbergh High School in the MSHSAA State Quarterfinal, effectively putting them in the top four qualifiers for State.

“Being in the Final Four is cool enough, so winning would just be a bonus,” Bonczek said. “We’re really good at putting our skills together and communicating well and coming out with a win. I think we really have a shot.”

As a sophomore on the varsity team, Bonczek said this is a rewarding experience for her.

“It’s a huge deal to be one of the younger people on the team and be able to go to State with varsity,” Bonczek said. “It’s really exciting and makes me think I’m doing something right.”

Fellow team member Hailey Nuener, junior, echoes this excitement. She said the secret to the team’s success is their continued momentum and morale.

“I’m playing with my best friends and coaches that are awesome,” Nuener said. “Not to mention, our seniors are really fighting for us, and the coaches believe in us so much.”

Though Nuener said she is excited to play at State, she said she’s looking forward to the general experience of it even more.

“Having one last trip with my seniors before they leave is going to be a fun experience, even if we lose,” Nuener said. “But this year is kind of our chance at redemption because our season got cut short last year. We didn’t go as far as we wanted.”

Coach John Meyer has been coaching softball for all four years with these current seniors, but this year is his first year as head coach.

“The girls have been very successful and very dedicated and motivated,” Meyer said. “I like to see teams and players peak at the right time and play well and come together as one group with a single mission. That’s what happened this year.”

Meyer accompanied the team to State two years ago; however, due to COVID restrictions, the experience was far from normal.

“That first experience was kind of a sour taste in their mouth. Plus we are better prepared for it this time around and it’s a different situation,” Meyer said. “So, I’m excited to watch them play in a very competitive format where they have a chance to be successful.”

Meyer said that even though they had lost a handful of games at the beginning of the season, their comeback can be credited to their persistence.

“When you keep your head up and just kind of battle through that and keep the right perspective, usually, there’s something better at the end for you,” Meyer said.