Berkshire’s veteran lineup will be tested early and often in 2023, but if all goes well, the Badgers should be in the hunt for the Chagrin Valley Conference Valley Division title.
Five starters provide head coach Dave List with a solid nucleus to work with this spring as he breaks in several newcomers.
“We can be a team that surprises this year,” List said. “We have a solid core of players, and although unproven, some good, young talent to fill in the rest of the lineup. I expect us to be competitive and if we get solid pitching, we can have a winning record.”
Berkshire will lean on its strong senior class and returning all-conference performers Anni Bergmeier, Sierra Berman, Cam Leggett, Athena Stute, and Maddy Triskett to set the tone for the rest of the Badgers as they look to improve upon their 6-14 record from last season.
Bergmeier and Berman earned first-team All-CVC honors for their efforts at first base and center field, respectively. Leggett was a second-team selection at pitcher, and Stute and Triskett earned honorable mention honors at first base and shortstop, respectively.
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“Triskett, Leggett, and Berman would all admit by their standards that last year was a bit of an off year,” List said. “They have come into the preseason with a determination to make their senior season a success. All five returners–including Stute if she gets cleared near the end of the season–are outstanding players and each one brings so much to our team.”
Bergmeier hit .508 last year with 11 of her 30 base hits going for extra bases. She also knocked in 18 runs and was named second-team all-district. Leggett hit .298 with seven extra-base hits and 13 RBI. She also struck out 42 in the circle. Berman swung the bat well all season as she hit .355 with nine extra-base hits and 19 stolen bases. Triskett finished the year with a .255 batting average.
“Anni Bergmeier is coming off a big year and I look for that to continue,” List said. “Triskett is a true leader, is a talented shortstop, and one of the hardest workers I’ve ever coached. Bergmeier eats, sleeps, and drinks softball and she is geared to play at the next level. Leggett has a pure swing and is as tough of out as there is and she has looked incredibly strong pitching in the preseason. Berman adds outstanding speed, hits for power, and runs down just about every fly ball in center.”
Stute will miss most of the season as she recovers from an injury.
Rounding out Berkshire’s projected starting lineup are sophomores Liv Masink, Bailey Jokinen, Kylie Gleason, and Jenna Hornak, and freshman Kate Miller.
Masink will catch, Jokinen will play second, Gleason is slotted at third, and Hornak will play right field. Miller will patrol left.
Leggett will throw most of the innings in the circle for the Badgers, but Bergmeier and Gleason will provide relief when needed.
Senior Julia Schwab (OF) and juniors Bayleigh Winters (IF/OF) and Mac Conrad (OF/DP) will provide the Badgers with depth.
“We have great athleticism in the starting lineup,” List said. “The biggest challenge will be getting through tough stretches of tough teams on our schedule. Our Myrtle Beach schedule includes Eastlake North and defending division IV state champs Strasburg.”
