Timberland Softball Team Has High Hopes for Season

Alex Adelsberger has high hopes for her senior year on the softball team. 

And why not? With eight starters back from a squad that went 15-11-1 last year, including a college-bound pitcher, the seeds of success exist.

“We definitely have higher hopes this year than we’ve had in the past,” said Adelsberger, a second baseman who has received interest from a handful of colleges. “I think we will have better results to look forward to.”

The Timberwolves success remains in the hands of their four-year starting pitcher Sarah Williams. She went 9-7 as a junior, and coach Brad Schellert plans to use the senior as much as possible.

Williams, who committed to Missouri Southern State University over the summer, pitched 117 innings as a junior. Schellert said the biggest hole in his ace’s game is frustration.

“Sarah’s main thing is keeping calm,” he said. “But when she’s on, she’s one of the better pitchers around.

“She throws the ball pretty hard. She can get wild at times, but she’s won us some big games, and I know she’s looking forward to having a good year.”

Junior Lori Badalamenti will catch for Williams again this year. She took over for all-state catcher Brittany Rozier, who, after playing last season with University of Central Missouri, transferred to this season, despite never having played the position before.

Not only did Badalamenti handle the pitchers well, she was one of the team’s top hitters, batting .369 with 17 RBIs.

Schellert is also expecting sophomore Savannah Price to play a big role this season. Price, who batted close to .400 as a freshman, can play anywhere on the field. She can also pitch to spell Williams. The only spot she won’t play is catcher.

The only starter not returning from last year is shortstop Desi Drury, who provided speed for the Timberwolves, which they are still searching to replace.

The experience, plus the influx of underclassmen to the varsity level, has created something the Timberwolves haven’t seen in several years. While some starting spots are cemented, few of the players can afford not to look over their shoulders. 

“This year, we’ve got 12 kids that are pretty interchangeable,” Schellert said. “The good thing is they are all capable of starting, and that creates some great competition where if you’re not going to do it, we’ll just slide someone else in.”

Adelsberger believes that the experience, the depth and an attitude of team first, plus a competitive nature should serve as a perfect recipe for an outstanding year for the Timberwolves.

And, since this is her last season, she has one primary goal.

“I just want to accomplish a district championship,” she said.