MONTICELLO — The Monticello-New Glarus softball team struggled in their first season as a co-op in 2021, winning just once in 20 tries. Then again, the two schools struggled in recent seasons separately, finishing just 1-36 combined in 2019.

In the second year of the co-op, the program has a new head coach — New Glarus athletic director Mitchell Cernek.

“We will be working to rebuild our reputation in the Six Rivers East Conference,” Cernek said. “We have several girls with pitching experience, but will be looking for one or two girls to separate themselves from the rest and own the spot.”

Among those with pitching experience includes Jaden Zuber, who saw the second-most time on the mound last season. The No. 1 pitcher in 2021, Harley Disch, graduated, as did shortstop Alexa Siegenthaler and catcher Kenna Pfeuti.

Back for MNG is all-conference outfielder Katelyn Eyler, as well as sophomores Megan Peterson (OF) and Melanie Fink (Util). Senior Brea McCoy (2B/3B), senior Kylie Liegel (SS/2B) and freshman Dalana Trumpy (C) join the varsity squad this year, with the rest of the lineup needing to be sorted out.

“We have experienced upperclassmen and some very talented young players.  We will lean heavily on the leadership of our seniors on and off the field,” Cernek said. “Our seniors want to be a group that helps change the culture for Monticello-New Glarus softball.”

That means cutting down — and hopefully eliminating — mercy rule 5-inning games, and instead playing to the very last out of the seventh inning. 

“We want to be competitive and work towards playing our best ball at the end of the season. It should be a very competitive conference again this season,” Cernek said. “Argyle will be very tough, after winning 20 games in 2021. Barneveld and Juda-Albany have strong programs and a great tradition of success. Pecatonica continues to put great teams on the field. Lots of talented teams with histories of success in the Six Rivers East.”