St. Ben’s softball faces tough competition to open season

The St. Ben’s softball season has quickly ramped up with 10 games under the team’s belt thus far into the 2025 campaign. The Bennie squad returned to campus Monday night after a long, yet rewarding road trip to Columbus, Ga. where they competed in the National Fastball Coaches Association Leadoff Classic. The six-game tournament provided St. Ben’s a worthwhile experience where the team faced off against a select few of Division III’s top softball teams.

“Our defense down in Georgia was phenomenal. We only had three total team errors in six games and turned three double plays,” 11-year head coach Rachael Click saidvia email when discussing what stood out as a team’s strong suit in Georgia.

Junior pitcher and utility player, Olivia Tautges touted the team’s chemistry and how close the team is.

“We all know our role and we have a very tight knit group. I really haven’t been a part of a team that’s this tight and knows their roles so well,” Tautges said.

Going up against ranked teams can be a daunting task for some teams, but the Bennies managed to make the most of their experience and use it to learn more about themselves.

“These games forced us to adapt and compete. With key positions needing to be filled after graduating two seniors from last season, this tournament was an opportunity for players, including freshman, to step up, and for the team as a whole to establish chemistry,” Junior pitcher Olivia Wallace said in an email. “We will continue to face strong competition, but after battling some of the top-ranked teams early on, we now have a clear understanding of where we stand and what we need to improve. This experience has only made us stronger, more prepared and more determined to step up our game for the rest of the season.”

Now with the Leadoff Classic in the rearview mirror, the team’s sights are set on continuing to improve for the remaining contests that lie ahead.

“The first stretch of games allowed us to work through some adjustments, test different lineups and figure out where we need to improve,” Wallace said, speaking to the benefits of an early season tournament. “With that in place, we now have the opportunity to refine the small details and elevate our game to the next level.”

Click does not only have ambitions of winning the MIAC, but she also wants to achieve a name in the St. Benedict’s athletics record book.

“It is important to take each game one at a time and not overlook any opponents. That being said, our team goal would be to win the MIAC and receive an automatic bid to the NCAA Regional Tournament,” Click said. “If we accomplish this goal, we want to be the first CSB group to make it to the super-regional round.”

As the young season sets to grow older, Tautges and CSB softball can feel an excitement about the promise this team has.

“We’re ten games in and that seems like a lot, but we have a lot of season left. So honestly, that’s what excites me the most, you know? We haven’t played to our full potential yet, but that’s honestly also what excites me. I know that we’ll get there,” Tautges said.

Wallace said she is looking forward to the rest of the season and described the qualities that should lead to the team’s success.

“We have the talent, the chemistry and the drive to compete at a high level, and I can’t wait to see how it all comes together this season,” Wallace said.

St. Ben’s softball does not take the field until they host Saturday, March 22 against Wartburg College and Sunday, March 23 versus Central College; doubleheaders to be held each day.

“Although our record was only 2-4 after the week in Georgia, we scored 26 runs against some of the top teams. That type of offensive performance is exciting, and we are only hoping to go up from here,” Click said.