Coach: Defense will have to be sharp vs. Oaks
JUDA - Putting together a gameplan to upset the Oakfield softball team is easier said than done.
Juda-Albany coach Bill Davis is well aware it will take a solid defensive game to knock off the defending Division 4 state champions.
"I think we can match up with anyone," Davis said. "We have to play a clean game to have a chance. We can't go in there and make six errors and expect to win. We can hit the ball with the best of them."
The Oaks are led by McKaela Ryan, who is hitting a team-best .545 with 46 RBI, Brianna Sabel (.488 with 30 RBI) and Alyssa Sabel (.484 and 48 RBI). Oakfield is averaging 14.7 runs per game in the postseason.
Eight players for the Oaks have five or more stolen bases this year led by Karissa Ryan with nine stolen bases. Fielding bunts and playing heads-up defense will be crucial to limiting the Oaks from running for extra bases.
"They run the bases very aggressively and we can't give them those opportunities," Davis said. "They are always looking to go first to third on a base hit and are always looking to take an extra base on a bunt."
- Mark Nesbitt
Instead, they want to add to their history by upsetting Oakfield (25-3), which is looking to repeat as Division 4 state champion. Oakfield, which has won three of the past four state titles, is averaging 14.7 runs per game in the postseason.
Juda-Albany (24-4) has ridden the pitching of freshman Nicki Becker, solid defense and timely hitting to the state tournament. Becker is confident the Panthers can beat Oakfield in a WIAA Division 4 state semifinal Friday at the University of Wisconsin's Goodman Diamond.
"(The Oaks) haven't seen us," Becker said. "They don't know what we are capable of. I know we will give it our all and leave it all on the field."
Both the towns of Juda and Albany have rallied around the Panthers. Juda-Albany coach Bill Davis has appreciated the support from fans.
"It's amazing what these kids have worked for and accomplished," Davis said. "The fan support from everyone has been amazing. I think the kids are honored to play for the community."
Ryan has a 20-3 record as a pitcher and has tossed seven shutouts this season. She has a 1.56 ERA and has struck out 167 in 130 innings, which is an average of 7.2 strikeouts per game.
"I don't think anyone thought we would make it to state," Juda-Albany senior first baseman Cheyenne Ambler said. "They hoped we would make it. It's a little nerve-wracking because they (Oakfield) have so many state titles. It feels really good because we have never made it this far, and it's my senior year. It's nice that we are the first ones to do it."
Juda-Albany sophomore Alexis Goecks (.405) is the leading hitter for the Panthers. Junior catcher Jessica Crull is hitting .400 with three home runs and a team-leading 28 RBI. Senior teammate Molly Marass is hitting .395.
Crull had the feeling it would be a special season before the Panthers had even played a game.
"We have a great group of girls that are super athletic, strong willed and hard working," Crull said. "Once the practices started you could see the look of determination in their eyes. I feel like we can do it. Our young girls are just as determined as our seniors."
Becker is 21-3 as a pitcher this year with a 1.17 ERA and 177 strikeouts. She has walked just 25 batters this season. Crull has developed a bond with Becker as the starting catcher and gave Becker the nickname "Little Tike."
Besides working for years to perfect her fastball, rise ball and changeup, Becker's best attribute, according to some players and coaches, is her unflappable demeanor on the mound.
"We have our own sister-like relationship," Crull said. "(Becker) doesn't get riled up and nervous. I think that is huge to be able to be a good pitcher. She doesn't worry about the errors behind her."
Becker wanted to be a pitcher since fourth grade. She worked with her father and used three different windups before settling on one that fit best.
"Jessica doesn't get enough credit," Becker said. "She's my rock. She settles me down when we are in a jam. She always knows what to say. My dad has been a big part of my success."
Crull said at times she tells a joke and other times she talks about where to locate pitches to get the next hitter out.
"If something is wrong I know what it is, and I know how to help her out," Crull said.
Davis has high expectations for Becker, and he has been impressed with her first year of varsity pitching.
"The thing that shocks me the most about (Becker) is how calm she is. She will come in and say how nervous she is but you would never know it by how she is reacting on the mound.
"I didn't realize how good she was at hitting her spots. Hitting her spots with her changeup has made a difference. That makes everything else seem so much faster."
