Girls Softball: Stillwater Ponies Gallop to a 10-1 Start

The softball team has yet to crack the Minnesota state top-ten.  This despite playing some of the state's best softball and remaining the top-dog in the Suburban East Conference.

"Early season polls are always based on returning pitcher's and their previous year's team accomplishments," Stillwater head coach Bob Beedle said.  "We are still flying under the radar."

For the Ponies (6-0 SEC, 8-1) it might be galloping.

And after a dominating outing from pitcher Rachel Rhode, tossing a one-hit shutout against White Bear Lake in a 5-0 victory last Wednesday, Stillwater's gait might ramp up into a full sprint, strides that are tough to ignore.

"Eventually the polls will catch up with this year's accomplishments," Beedle said.

Opposing batters have had trouble catching up with Rhode's fastballs all year.  The sophomore, who first took the mound as a ninth grader, is throwing ten strikeouts a game, carrying an earned run average of less than a run.   Rhode is now 7-0 on the season and one of the best young talents in state.  

"She worked hard in the off-season and has shown tremendous improvement," Beedle said, adding, "Her emergence as a force on the mound has been a big factor in our early season success."
On Friday, the Ponies dropped their first game to the sixth-ranked Bloomington Jefferson Jaguars, losing 3-0. 
Stillwater will look to bounce back, combining power-pitching with a potent offense, led by Madie Ecstrom, who will be playing for the Gophers next spring.
"She has been an offensive force for us so far this season," Beedle said, adding that Ecstrom is leading the squad in batting average and has been very skilled at knocking in runs.
Beedle feels that the team environment will spark even greater success.
"Our team has depth in talent which has created a competitive atmosphere," he said. "Every player is working hard and we are getting significant contributions from a lot of different kids."
Time will tell how far the Ponies can run, but Beedle hopes to guide them well.
"If there is any theme to this year's group,, the coach said, "it would be work hard, play hard and have fun."