Positive Trajectory

Collegiate’s varsity softball team, a young, inexperienced crew with no seniors on the roster, finished 7-15, so from the outside looking in, 2024 appeared to be a down year.

 

Nothing could be further from the truth.

 

“We measure so many things by wins and losses,” said Coach Robby Turner, “but what’s lost in the record is that we had three one-run games that went right down to the wire and a couple of others that were excellent softball games. I’d take those losses [to stronger teams] over a couple of the wins [over weaker opponents] because it was good softball, and that’s what we’re looking for.”

 

If it sounds as if winning isn’t all that important to Turner, think again. He’s competitive, for sure, but he’s been around long enough (14 years as head coach) to understand well the ebb and flow of sports.

 

“We saw so much growth,” he said. “This was the youngest team I’ve ever had. We had four 8th graders. Some had never picked up a glove until 7th grade. All had started by the fourth game. They went against girls who’ve played a lifetime of softball, but they competed and got hits off quality pitchers and made plays in the field. The moment didn’t seem too big for any of them.”

 

Freshman Olivia Tull was the Cougars’ offensive leader and All-League of Independent Schools and All-VISAA honoree. A two-season starter, she batted .526 with 40 hits (including 17 doubles, four triples, and four home runs), 26 runs batted in, 34 runs, and 21 stolen bases.

 

Juniors Harper Murphy and Mary Ann Zyglocke, both All-LIS selections, served as captains.

 

Murphy, a four-season varsity starter, batted .318 with 15 RBI and 21 hits (including two doubles, three triples, and two home runs). She stole 15 bases, scored 26 runs, and was hit by pitches seven times. She’s already the Cougars’ career HBP leader with 23.

 

A three-season varsity starter, Zyglocke, who played centerfield, batted .349 with 22 hits (including three doubles), 15 RBI, 19 runs, and 14 stolen bases.

 

“One thing that Harper and I tried to do as captains was make everybody feel like they belonged,” Zyglocke said. “Some of the 8th graders didn’t expect to be on the varsity, so it was probably a difficult transition. Whether it was encouraging them in a drill or giving them pointers or cheering for them when they were up at bat, we worked hard to make everyone feel included.”

 

Time, patience, and encouragement paid dividends.

 

“We tried to keep a positive environment,” Zyglocke added. “We really tried to maintain a good attitude throughout the season and have fun. By the end of the season, everybody was playing with a lot more confidence, especially the younger players. Everyone stepped up and did her part.”

 

Seeking to find the right combination, Turner and his staff (Kelsey Watson, Frank Watson, and Taylor Hoffman) restructured the lineup midway through the season.

 

Tull, who shared catching duties with sophomore Finley Haas, shifted to shortstop, Murphy moved behind the plate, and Haas became the designated hitter.

 

“It’s like a chess game,” Turner said. “Rather than fixing one thing and hurting us somewhere else, it put a lot of things in place. We were hoping that it would work. It’s done more than work.”

 

Though Murphy had caught bullpen but never in live action, her softball IQ and experience, coupled with her mental and physical toughness, enabled her to make an almost seamless transition.

 

“It was what benefitted the team at the time, so I was glad to do what I could,” she said. “It’s definitely been a good experience. I really enjoy how there’s not much downtime. I can’t mentally check out. I’m always focused and doing something every play. And I really like how I can strengthen relationships with my pitcher not just on the field but off the field. It creates good chemistry.”

 

Freshmen Cabel Berkeyheiser and Leah Proffitt and junior Kana Sakagami alternated in the circle.

 

“It was pitcher by committee,” Turner said. “We didn’t have overpowering speed, so we were trying to throw [our opponents] off balance by having one girl throw a certain way for a couple of innings and then switch to another pitcher.

 

“If teams beat us, it was going to be by getting hits, not walking them, so we challenged our pitchers to throw strikes and force us to play solid defense behind them. Then, we were going to come out and hit the ball. In our best games, we were able to limit the number of runners that got on base and make defensive plays that were necessary to keep us in those games.”

 

With a solid nucleus returning, Turner sees nothing but upside.

 

“Every year, you base your starting point on how young you are,” he said. “There were things like certain pickoffs and rundowns we didn’t get to put in that we can start with [in 2025]. We’re very pleased with what the girls were able to accomplish. It’s very exciting that we can take this group and start at a different place next year.”

~Weldon Bradshaw