BRODHEAD — The Cardinals enter the 2022 season with loads of expectations. 

Ten letterwinners return from a team that went 16-3 and lost to eventual champion Dodgeville in the regional final.

Of those back, three were first-team all-conference in the Rock Valley — and none of the three are seniors, meaning there is likely more success to come. Graduating from 2021 were honorable mention all-conference outfielders Natalie Bump and Bailey Matthys.

Back this year is No. 1 pitcher McKenna Young, who was second team all-state. She had four no-hitters in 2021, averaging more than two strikeouts per inning in those victories. In December, Young announced her commitment to play Division I softball at the University of South Dakota. 

Not only a talented pitcher with a rocket for an arm, she also can pop the ball off her own bat. Actually, the Cardinals as a whole have stellar power, which includes first-team all-conference hitters Sophia Leitzen (P/IF) and Taetum Hoesly (C/IF).

Also back for the Cardinals are Alexis Kammerer (IF), Cora Hafen (IF/OF), Daisy Nelson (IF/OF), Madisyn Kail (OF), Keira Malott (OF), Jerrica Schwartz (C/IF) and Jaelyn Hilliard (OF), plus incoming freshman Ava Risum (P/IF).

Coach Steve Krupke said that he’s aiming to “develop a climate within the program that models character, discipline and hard work. If that occurs, we should improve on last year’s record.”

Pitching depth should be a major strength of the Cardinals, while defense is in some need of focus.

In the Rock Valley, Krupke sees defending champion Jefferson among those with the strongest chance at winning the conference title.

“They won it last year and have a lot of key returning players,” he said.