Witt-Birn softball team hoping to follow seniors to big season

While many spring sports teams in the area lack a ton of varsity experience, the Wittenberg-Birnamwood High School softball team has an abundance of talented upperclassmen to turn to as the season starts up.

Coach Charity Fraaza had six players land on a Central Wisconsin Conference-East Division team in 2019, and half of those players are back on the roster this spring.

Senior Abi Fraaza landed on the all-conference first team in her sophomore season. She’ll serve as the team’s shortstop this spring.

Senior Emma Herb was a second-team finisher two springs ago. She will play third base or center field for the Chargers.

The final all-conference player back is senior McKenna Metropulos. She’ll be the team’s primary catcher.

Along with that talented trio, coach Fraaza could turn to six other players who have varsity experience.

“I expect my senior players to display strong leadership skills by stepping onto the field with a high intensity level to compete to the best of their abilities and to communicate with their teammates on every play,” said coach Fraaza. “This senior group demonstrates a high softball IQ and likes to have fun on the field, so I am hoping the younger players will want to work hard to be able to play at that level.”

Senior Jasmin Duranceau is the most experienced pitcher back for Witt-Birn, while senior Paige Kurth will help fill out the outfield.

Seniors Amara Schoepke and McKenna Foster are options at second or third base. Junior Kaylee Schram is the team’s first baseman.

With its experienced players, the team has some bigger goals it believes it can accomplish.

“With all of our returning players we are hoping to have a strong team this year,” said Metropulos. “A few goals are obviously to do well in the conference and make it far in the season. Another goal we have is just to help the underclassmen learn the game.

“We have seven seniors this year so next year the underclassmen are going to have to uptake the roles played by seniors. This year will be a fun year and thankfully with everything going on we will have a full season unlike last year.”

Helping round out the roster will be a few newcomers to the varsity team.

Juniors Jadalynn Davids and Emily Niles are both outfield options for the Chargers. Niles can also play catcher.

Sophomore Jami Wendler is another pitcher the team can send to the circle, while sophomore Halle Beversdorf plays the outfield.

sports@newmedia-wi.com