The Lake Stevens Vikings softball team is prepared for the season ahead. Beginning in March, the girls will start competing with the goal of earning a WESCO title and securing a spot in state.
As the softball season approaches, the team is already hard at work for a competitive and exciting year. With offseason training and clear personal goals, players are focused on improving their skills and making this season one to remember. Several players shared what they’ve been doing to get ready and what they are looking forward to the most.
Senior first baseman Alexis Osterholtz is all about performance and effort this season. Osterholtz hopes
“To get a good batting average and to play as hard as I can,” Osterholtz said.
During the offseason, Osterholtz stayed sharp by hitting at The Sports Shed NW and taking ground balls at the fields. Last season, Osterholtz ended the year with a .961 fielding percentage at first base.
Osterholtz is especially excited to face “Kamiak and maybe GP again, since last year it was a good game,” Osterholtz said.
Junior catcher Alaina Emme is focused on going out and performing her best. Her goal is “To just go and do good,” Emme said. Emme prepared for the season by training with her club team and continuing to build her skills. Last season, Emme ended with the highest on-base percentage and highest batting average, ending the season with a .446.
Emme is looking forward to playing games against Jackson and Kamiak as they are expected to bring strong competition, like in past years.
For sophomore shortstop Reese Breckenridge, consistency on both offense and defense is key. Breckenridge wants “To have a good batting average and field ground balls cleanly,” Breckenridge said.
Last year, Breckenridge was the starting shortstop and lead off as a freshman, maintaining a .295 batting average and a .891 fielding percentage. Breckenridge has been putting in the work through hitting lessons and practicing with her select team during the offseason. She’s particularly excited to play “Kamiak and Jackson because I know some people on Jackson, and I think Kamiak is going to be pretty good,” Breckenridge said.
With dedicated off-season preparation and strong personal goals, the softball team is ready to compete with confidence. As the season begins, players’ hard work and determination promise an exciting season. Be sure to come out and support your Vikings!
