Colfax girls return plenty of experience to softball diamond in 2024

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by Marlys Kruger

Sports Correspondent

COLFAX — After winning their first regional championship since 1982 last year, the Colfax softball team returns ten players who have varsity innings under their belts, including several three year starters. The Vikings finished 13-8 overall and 9-5 in Dunn-St. Croix Conference play, and defeated Eau Claire Regis and Cadott in the regionals before losing to Fall Creek in the sectional semifinal. 

The Vikings lost just two players to graduation, but they were a huge part of the team. Gone are starting pitcher Mallory Field, an honorable mention all-conference pick, and her battery mate Ella Peterson who was a second team all-conference selection, as well as a member of the Wisconsin Fast Pitch Softball Coaches Association All-Star team. Both players were three-year starters for the Vikings.

Experienced players returning to the team are senior Jada Anderson, a three-year starter and three-time all-conference player, including first team last year. She was also a two-time WFSCA All District pick. Sophomore Brynn Sikora is back after being named first team all-conference as a freshman as well as first team All District for the WFSCA. Junior Hannah Peterson, a two-year starter and first team all-conference pick; senior McKenna Shipman, a two-time all-conference selection including second team last season and a three-year starter; and Audrey Ebert, honorable mention all-conference a year ago and two-year starter all are back.

Other players with experience include Alexis Schindler, Emma Medin, Mackenzi Loback, Olivia Runowski and Sierra Shipman.

Newcomers expected to help are Laikyn Beyer, a sophomore, who according to head coach John Dickinsen, is an awesome addition to the team and will be the number one pitcher and has a solid bat. Several freshmen have shown a lot of potential as well.

Strength of the Viking team is their overall experience at the varsity level.

“We return five all-conference players from last year and nine players who all started games for us last year,” coach Dickinsen said. “We are looking forward to relying on that experience and continuing to improve in all areas of the game with this solid core returning. With the addition of starting pitcher Laikyn Beyer, pitching will also be a strength and we will look to improve defensively behind her throwing,” he added.

Goals for the season are to play together as a team with energy and enthusiasm, according to Dickinsen. Like many schools, their goal is to win the conference title and make a run in the playoffs. Colfax will do this by taking it one day and one game at a time.

Dickinsen begins his seventh season leading the Vikings and carries a 37-51 overall record. He believes Mondovi, Elk Mound, Durand-Arkansaw and his Viking team should be top competition for a conference crown. All four teams have solid pitching and many returning players. Overall the conference was very young last year. It should be a balanced conference once again with many teams having the chance to win many games.

He will be assisted by Rick Geissler, Tasha Bjork, Lori Buchanan and Bailey Bradford. Managers are Kenlee Bjork, Charlotte Dickinsen and Alleah Kunsman.

2024 Roster

Seniors: Jada Anderson, Mackenzi Loback, Alexis Schindler, McKenna Shipman,

Juniors: Audrey Ebert, Emma Medin, Hannah Peterson, Olivia Runowski

Sophomores: Laikyn Beyer, Sierra Shipman, Brynn Sikora

Freshmen: Adelyn Acker, Ashlyn Bauer, Avah Elmer, Jaylin Hansen, Sophia Hazuga, Aleah Schindler, Olivia Schindler, Jordyn Sloan