The season's first games for the Wrangell Wolves girls softball team are not until next month, but (from left) Paige Hoyt, Addy Andrews and Della Churchill were among the players participating in drills during softball practice at the field near Volunteer Park on April 18.
Amid the rigors of state testing and preparations for prom, members of the Wrangell Wolves girls softball team turned out for informal practice after school with head coach Marsha Ballou at the baseball field near Volunteer Park on Thursday, April 18.
While softball season officially started for Southeast high schools on March 4, the Wolves won't start their season until May 9-13 when they travel to Juneau for games. They will return to Juneau near the end of May to play regionals.
There are no games scheduled in Wrangell for the season.
Bella Crowley is serving as assistant coach.
After some throwing and catching drills, freshman Paige Hoyt got behind home plate as catcher while other players took turns at bat with Ballou on the pitcher's mound, coaching and encouraging.
"We currently have 14 student athletes interested in the season," Ballou said. "All of our athletes show a great amount of promise, and I am very proud of each of them seeing their dedication and hard work."
Last year's softball season for the Wolves was shortened when a trip to Ketchikan was canceled. Exhibition games had been scheduled, "but they were replacing their softball field and not all of the necessary equipment made it on the barge," Ballou said. "We were not able to do the games that weekend."
The Wrangell team won't be on the official schedules until they've been to regionals for at least three consecutive years. Ballou said the team didn't compete in regionals last year
She expressed her gratitude for school volunteers who have dedicated time to help build and grow the program, adding that she eagerly anticipates the team's upcoming season as her players translate their hard work from practice into games.
An alumni fundraiser game is scheduled for noon Saturday, April 27, at the field at Volunteer Park after the Little League's opening ceremony.
Team roster
McKinley Gillen (senior)
Lillian Younce (senior)
Addy Andrews (junior)
Della Churchill (junior)
Vanessa Johnson (junior)
Aubrey Wynne (junior)
Kayla Young (junior)
Kalee Herman (sophomore)
Shailyn Nelson (sophomore)
Alexis Easterly (freshman)
Katelynn Gillen (freshman)
Alana Harrison (freshman)
Paige Hoyt (freshman)
Sophia Martinsen (freshman)
Bella Ritchie (freshman)
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