By BUTCH HARMON
In just two years, the DeWitt softball team has made a complete turnaround. Even though it was hit hard by graduation last year, it’s primed to build on the positive momentum.
After winning two games in 2012, the DeWitt softball team won the CAAC Red with an 8-1 record and finished 16-11 overall in 2013. While seven senior starters graduated, the Panthers do have some standout players back.
Abby VanLake returns at catcher, where she earned all-league honors last year and hit number five in the batting order. Ally Hawkins returns in the outfield, where she earned all-district honors and was the team’s leadoff batter. Both VanLake and Hawkins are sophomores and team captains this season.
The Panthers also have a pair of senior captains in Katelyn Simon, an outfielder in her third year on the varsity, and Anne Schultz, who plays first and third base. Sophomore Kenzie Kost is back for her second year on the varsity as a middle infielder.
DeWitt also brings in a pair of talented newcomers. Freshmen Nikki Willard and Erica Lee are powers hitters. Willard will also be a pitcher while Lee is an infielder.
“While we are young, I think we will be able to have a strong mental game and overcome adversity,” said coach Keeley Byrnes. “This team has great chemistry and truly loves the game of softball. Our goal is to win the league and districts.”
To do that, the Panthers must avoid injury. “The key will be staying healthy,” Byrnes said. “We have low numbers this year on varsity and junior varsity. If we can stay healthy, we have a shot at winning the league for the second year in a row.”
Fowlerville, Owosso, and St. Johns will be battling the Panthers for the top spot in the league this year.