7 Panthers, 6 Tigers make CWC-North all-conference softball lists

The Bowler and Tigerton softball teams were well represented on the Central Wisconsin Conference-North Division all-conference lists after the spring season wrapped up.

Seven Bowler players and six Tigerton athletes were named to an all-conference team, with Tigerton’s Michelle Brady being named the Co-Coach of the Year.

Bowler

Senior Tynea Johnson and freshman Weengeetah Mohawk each earned spots on the CWC-North first team for Bowler. Junior Tia Kroening and freshman Bertina Dodge made the second team, while junior Morgan Paiser, sophomore Brandi Spencer and senior McKayla Putnam were honorable mentions.

Johnson ended her high school career by collecting hits in 12 of her 26 at-bats in conference play. She doubled once, tripled twice and homered once while driving in seven runs. Johnson scored a team-leading 13 runs.

Mohawk scored nine runs and drove in eight more during CWC-North play. The freshman walked nine times and posted six hits in 15 at-bats.

“It motivates me to do more and more, because I know there’s more I can improve on and hopefully it shows in my future seasons,” said Mohawk, on how the all-conference honor can help her in the seasons to come.

Kroening tallied nine hits in 21 conference at-bats, driving in a couple of runs and scoring 12 times.

“It will motivate me by making me practice (during) the offseason and push myself to be better than I was this year, and hopefully I make all-conference next year to end my senior year in a good way,” said Kroening.

Dodge also had nine hits in CWC-North action, with three going for extra bases. She drove in six runs and scored seven times.

“Well, coming up from only starting softball when I was 10, which is kinda late for some, I’ve always tried my hardest to be the best I could,” said Dodge, who added she’ll seek a first team spot next spring. “As for my freshman year, receiving a second team spot was a big motivator.

“I ended up playing new position (shortstop) my freshman year, a spot I never played before, and seeing that I was actually good enough in that spot in people’s eyes motivated me more than ever for next seasons.”

Putnam was Bowler’s primary pitcher. At the plate, she got on base six times and scored four runs.

Paiser clubbed six doubles and drove in eight runs for the Panthers.

“Getting honorable mention is definitely a privilege,” said Paiser. “However, it just means I have to step up my game for next year. I have three amazing coaches who got me where I am today and can’t wait to see where next season brings us!”

Spencer got on base 11 times in conference play, eight times by walks. She drove in three runs and scored three times.

“I didn’t expect to receive anything since it was my first year playing softball, but receiving this makes me want to work harder for the next season and try to get second or first team,” said Spencer.

Bowler won five of its eight conference games this spring.

Tigerton

Tigerton also had two players make the first team, with senior Adrienne Brady and sophomore Abby Swartz earning the honor. Senior Savannah Swartz, sophomore Skyler Hauser and junior Bethany Jobe all were second teamers, while junior Leandra Kalwitz made the honorable mention list.

Brady was the team’s primary pitcher in conference play, posting a 5-1 record and a 4.01 earned run average across 42⅔ innings.

At the plate, Brady hit for a .400 average and got on base at a .634 clip. She had 10 hits in 25 at-bats and also walked 16 times. Brady drove in 11 runs, scored 10 times and stole 10 bases.

“I feel honored to be recognized by the other coaches in our conference,” said Brady. “I have put in a lot of hard work and practice time throughout the years, and I continued to practice after my junior season was canceled due to COVID-19.

“This season was tough for me because I missed a whole game due to having kidney stones and surgery, but I came back and contributed to my team in any way that I could, even if I wasn’t pitching. I will miss the high school competitions, long bus rides and teammates; however, ending my high school sports career with this honor is very special to me and a memory that will always stay with me.”

Abby Swartz served as the team’s catcher this spring. She had six hits, eight RBIs and scored five runs. She also stole five bases and had a .375 on-base percentage.

“Honestly, after my freshman season of softball (was) canceled from COVID then getting awarded first team all-conference my sophomore season, it meant a lot to me,” said Swartz.

“I felt scared going into this season with little experience, and it really intimidated me. Thankfully, with the support of my team and coaches, I learned a lot, worked hard and gained confidence which eventually paid off. I’m hoping to use this to push myself harder in future seasons to become a stronger player.”

Savannah Swartz ended the year with a .385 batting average and .619 on-base percentage. She drove in 16 runs on 10 hits and also scored 15 times. Half of her hits went for extra bases.

Hauser hit .400 in conference play for the Tigers and posted a .600 on-base percentage. She drove in 11 runs on 12 hits, four of which went for extra bases. The sophomore drew 15 walks, scored 19 runs and stole five bases.

Hauser also logged 13⅔ innings in the circle. She earned one conference win.

“Making the all-conference second team is very special to me, especially because it’s my first high school softball season due to COVID (last spring),” said Hauser. “I am very happy with this honor saying that I am only a sophomore.

“Seeing that your skill is noticed by others feels really nice and will definitely motivate you for your future seasons. Starting out with second team means I can strive for the bigger honors as a junior/senior, and I am beyond excited.”

Jobe finished CWC-North play with a .306 batting average and .405 on-base percentage. She drove in nine runs on 11 hits and scored eight times.

“It makes me proud to be a part of the Tigerton High School softball team. It makes me appreciate all the hard work that came before,” said Jobe.

“Being on an all-conference team makes me excited for the coming season. I have a great foundation to build off of, and know what goals I want to achieve.”

Kalwitz patrolled center for the Tigers. At the plate, the junior had a .318 batting average and .516 on-base percentage. She drove in seven runs and drew nine walks.

Tigerton finished conference play with a 6-3 record to help Michelle Brady earn her coaching honor.

“It’s just a great honor to be recognized again by the other coaches because our conference has great coaches who care about their players and the program,” said Brady. “Our team, the girls and coaches put in so much effort this season, and it’s awesome to see everyone’s work pay off, and we finished second in the conference this year.

“We faced limited numbers, injuries and illnesses; however, our girls worked hard. I think it’s a huge accomplishment for everybody — coaches, players, and with the support of our family, fans and the community.”

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