EDMONDS
A new cast of characters is taking center stage for the Edmonds-Woodway softball team.
The Warriors’ roster underwent a major overhaul with only three full-time starters back from last season and junior varsity coach Mike Venable moving up to take the helm of the varsity squad.
The early going was tough for Edmonds-Woodway as a combination of illnesses, injuries and some lineup shuffling resulted in three non-conference losses to Sammamish, Monroe and Snohomish.
But in its March 21 league opener, everything came together for the Warriors as they pounded district rival Meadowdale 11-1.
The run production was a welcome change from the first three games in which Edmonds-Woodway only scored three runs. The Warriors did not have an extra base hit until the Meadowdale contest.
“We were very pumped up for the game,” said senior catcher/third baseman Jessie Herzer. “We wanted to start the season off well, especially with the rough start we had outside of the league. I think it was all attitude and we came together as a team. It was just a really nice feeling.”
The three full-time returning starters are sophomore shortstop Erika Hayes, junior first baseman Reesa Herr and senior outfielder Desiree Sanchez. Some players, such as Herzer, saw some time in the starting lineup last season, while others are moving up from junior varsity and are making their varsity debut.
Two of the latter are junior pitchers Desiree Moore and Sydney Mahan. Last season, the Warriors relied on Emily Dean, who started every game. Moore likely will see most of the action, Venable said.
“She actually throws a variety of pitches,” he said. “I don’t know that she has one that she favors over the others. She has really good control (against Meadowdale) and kept the ball low. That really helped us out quite a bit.”
Mahan backs up Moore and also plays third base. The Warriors are looking for consistency from Moore and Mahan, said senior infielder Laura Schrenk.
“They know that our main goal this season is defense,” Schrenk said. “As long as they put the ball somewhere around the plate, we’re going to back them up. They’ve been doing a great job at the start.”
His players’ versatility has impressed Venable, who’s had to move players around to start the season.
“We have a lot of young players playing different positions,” Venable said. “We’ve been able to move them around to cover any injuries and illnesses.”
Having players in different positions has strengthened the squad, Schrenk said.
“It’s just made our team all that much closer and stronger,” she said. “I think it was a great start to the season even though we weren’t in the win column.”
The influx of new starters means that the Warriors are having to get to know each other’s tendencies on the field.
“With the lack of experience, we really need to recognize that we need to play as a team, especially on the defensive end,” Venable said. “We really need to make sure we come together.”
Senior outfielder Leah Monroe is confident the Warriors are on their way to coming together as a team.
“We have different levels of experience, but all together I think we make a good combination,” Monroe said.
Edmonds-Woodway has advanced to the district playoffs two out of the last three years and the Warriors hope to again be in the postseason hunt.
While Jackson is a clear favorite to repeat as league champion, the other playoffs spots are wide open, Venable said.
“There’s a lot of parity in the league,” he said. “There’s going to be a scramble for the remaining sports. I think we’ll be right there.”
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