JUDA — In 2021, the Juda-Albany softball went on an incredible postseason run. The team finished 19-7 overall and 11-4 in the Six Rivers East, and was seeded No. 4 in the sectional.
But once postseason play began, the young squad played like seasoned veterans, knocking off the top two seeds and earning a trip all the way to the WIAA Division 4 state championship before losing 6-3 to Mishicot.
“We don’t get rattled under pressure,” said head coach Bill Davis, entering his 14th year at the helm.
The 2022 season has another reason for excitement: When thinking of the possibility to earn redemption and, not only get back to state, but to win the championship, Juda-Albany brings every player back this spring. Last year’s team had zero seniors.
Five of those Panthers last year were all-conference: now-sophomore pitcher Avary Briggs and battery-mate Myah Johnson; seniors Brianna Dahl (SS) and Anna Skoumal (OF), plus senior Emileigh Dallman, who was honorable mention at second base.
Libby Jordan, Katie Nusbaum, Gracie Freitag, Jackie Nusbaum, Ciarrah Davis, Alana Durtschi, Tamarra Boss and Allison Rhyner are all back as well, plus Briley Swedlund, who missed the 2021 season with an injury.
“We have a very fast experienced team that are very dedicated athletes no matter what sport they are playing,” coach Davis said.
There is room for improvement, like at the plate, the coach said.
“We do need to fine tune a few things defensively. Offensively as a team we hit .280. We need to get the team average up to the .320 range,” Davis said. “We have great pitching in Avary Briggs, but also play great defense behind her.”
Davis said that Argyle will be a prime contender for conference again. The back-to-back Six Rivers East champs boasts one of the best players in southern Wisconsin on the mound, Grace Ganshert.
“Barneveld — they have two very good pitchers, but Pecatonica and Juda-Albany will be fighting for the top spot. It is a loaded conference that will have many great games to see,” said Davis, who is aiming for a league crown to go along with another deep run in the tournament. “We drop down to Division 5 this year, which doesn’t benefit us at all.”
