With fall being here it also means that the 2017 softball season is well underway.

This season opens up a new opportunity for not only the players but the softball program as a whole. At press time the Patriots boast a 7-2 record. The team is loaded with spirit and confidence according to pitcher senior Emma Steltzer, but the team also has high hopes for when districts roll around. With the softball program going far in districts two seasons ago, it makes the mindset at a high level this year, Head Coach Marvin Medcalf said.
Medcalf is currently on his third season of coaching the softball team.

“Parkway South has a strong reputation for playing softball at a very high level and this year’s team is no exception. We took a tough loss to Marquette earlier in the season in the Parkway Tourney, but the kids battled all week going extra innings against a tough Kirkwood team and winning the Consolation bracket in extra innings,” he said.

In the game against Kirkwood, senior outfielder Amanda Noser hit a 2-run home run to win the game.

Steltzer also said she is confident about this year’s team.

“I’m very confident in the team this year. I think we can do well if we put our minds to it and play to our best,” she said. Steltzer made 2nd team All Conference last year. Currently she has a .300 average, has 6 hits, 1 HR, and 4 RBI this season.
“While the girl’s softball team involves a lot of time and physically demanding workouts, playing the sport is rewarding,” said senior centerfielder, Maggie Levins. Steltzer also commented on how hard it is to be a student athlete saying.

“Having to balance softball and academics are challenging. Also having to stay positive with softball, even when things go wrong in games,” she said. Levins said she is a perfectionist when it comes to softball,

“I’ve been struggling with confidence in my skills ever since I was a kid because I set my expectations high so that I can perform to my best. This season so far I’ve been proud of myself for the progress I have made,” she said.
Junior catcher Lauren Kehlenbrink also said she has high expectations for this year.

“I think the team has a really strong chance of going far in districts this year. We have so much chemistry and there’s always a lot of energy during games. This has helped us succeed so far this season,” she said. Kehlenbrink currently is averaging .310, has 9 hits, 6 RBI, 1 3B, and 2 HRs this season.

Coach Medcalf also said he has high goals for this season.\

“I enjoy the challenge of putting the Patriot team together each year. with the help of Coach Rhodes and Coach McFarland. Our kids have a great attitude and our motto this year is Team First meaning everyone does what they can to pull for the team. We are expecting a winning season and hope to battle late in the season in district play. Our players have already come together this first part of the season and we set the bar high in the proud tradition of Patriot softball,” he said.