By Steve Page
Correspondent

Over the years, Decatur Central softball has been a reflection of its pitching, as well as other capabilities.
Here are a few of those:
Kylie Eads, class of 2022 (Southern Indiana), Emma Etter-Cox, 2021 (Indiana Wesleyan), Kenzee Smith, 2020 (University of Indianapolis).

There also have been hitters and fielders galore.

Which makes 2023 an aberration of sorts.

“For the first time in a while, we will be coming into a softball season not having a pitcher with significant varsity experience,” Ivey said.

“Our season will be paced by a freshman and two sophomores with very little experience.”

In 2022, the Hawks were dominated in the circle by Eads, with 122 innings pitched.

“Kylie Vaseloff comes in with the most experience with 26 innings, followed by Hailey Cruz 3 innings and newcomer freshman Gracie Boggs,” Ivey noted.

The coach said that Vaseloff gained her experience from necessity.

“We needed more pitchers last season, so we needed her,” Ivey said.

The pitchers will be surrounded by talent.

“The Lady Hawks will lean on our offense to help ease the pressure for our pitching staff, with senior Laci Boggs (Mount Saint Joseph signee), senior Ella Phillips (Indiana Wesleyan signee) and Junior Jazlynn Stewart .390 BA, 32 hits, 14 stolen bases,” Ivey explained.

There’s more.

The Hawks will depend on returnees like catcher Laci Boggs (.530 BA, 44 hits, 27 RBIs, 15 2Bs, 5 HRs); outfielder Ella Phillips (.316 BA, 24 hits, 21 RBIs, 5 HRs), and third baseman Jazlynn Stewart (.390 BA, 32 hits, 14 stolen bases).

“Boggs should get heavy consideration as an Indiana All-Star,” Ivey said.

The coach listed promising newcomers.

Cruz: “Pitcher/shortstop. We’re excited to see her pitching career unfold.”

Vaseloff: “Shortstop/pitcher, good bat and very athletic, both in the field and at bat.”

Junior Sydney Hazelwood: “Gold glove on our defense and will be our infield captain.”

Junior Brielle Charles: “Shortstop/outfielder.  Has shown us to expect great numbers this year with her bat.”
Senior Riley Leverington: Outfielder. Fast, athletic outfielder who tracks the ball very well. Should be a key hitter in our lineup as well.

Senior Bekah Cruz: “Second base/pitcher. Gives us depth at many infield positions outside of being on our pitching staff.”

Sophomore Hannah Harper: “First base/designated hitter. Saw some varsity action last year at first and will compete for innings this year at first base. Showed promise in her opportunities last year.”

According to Ivey, other promising Hawks include Lyla McWhirter, Breanna Charles, Chloe Miller, Lilly Sears, Gracie Boggs, Madisyn Padgett, Maycee Hayman, Lena Czap and McKenna Rush.

“Our offense looks to be pretty good – it has been good in the offseason,” Ivey continued. “We have seven seniors, but only three will start the season. We have a bunch of sophomores and juniors.”

One senior had knee surgery and is out for the year: catcher/first baseman/designated hitter Aries Lovelace.
“Our defense has been OK, but we’re young,” Ivey continued. “Some were JV and some varsity. We have mixed them. Now, they’re getting used to each other.”

They will have to do so quickly.

Weather permitting, the Hawks opened their season at home against Ben Davis on Tuesday. They begin Mid-State Conference play April 4 at home against Perry Meridian before traveling to the Falcons’ field April 5.

“Coach Michaela Strykowski and I are entering Year 2 as a varsity staff and looking to improve this year with our young roster,” Ivey said. “We are looking to return to a 20-plus win season and compete for a (Mid-State) conference title and a sectional title behind some strong hitting and defense.
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“We were playing our best at the end of last season when we exited the sectionals and hope to continue that success at the start of this season with our young pitchers.”

​Sophomore Kylie Vaseloff releases a pitch before the start of Wednesday’s Gold-Blue game.

Sophomore Hailey Cruz hits the apex of her windup before Wednesday’s Blue-Gold scrimmage.

The center fielder for the Gold team camps out under a fly ball in Wednesday’s Blue-Gold game.

The Blue shortstop races back to chase down a fly ball for an inning-ending out.