St. Ben’s softball starts season with strong team performances

The CSB softball team began their season with two double-headers against UW-Stout and UW-Eau Claire respectively, going 1-1 in each set of games. Following these series, they competed in the NFCA Leadoff Classic in Columbus, Georgia, finishing with a record of 4-2. The Bennies enter this season after falling to St. Mary’s in the MIAC playoff championship game last season following their second-place regular season finish.

2025 NFCA All-Region second team honoree senior shortstop Olivia Tautges has picked up this season right where she left off being named the MIAC Softball Player of the Week for two consecutive weeks. At this point in the season Tautges has a .611 batting average, four home runs and 12 runs batted in in 10 games. Tautges credits their team dynamic and work ethic, which has been built through intentional but lighthearted practices, for her, and the team’s, early performances.

“A strong start shows potential for an unforgettable season,” Tautges said via email.

Tautges highlighted how the team’s leadership from their coaches and experienced players has created a team culture where everyone takes every game seriously, holding each other accountable and wanting to perform for the team.

“We have some great leaders on our squad, which makes for a competitive yet fun atmosphere,” Tautges said via email.

Tautges explained how she has stepped into her own leadership role as a senior and one of the top returning bats from last season, saying she has taken pride in going extra hard in practices both to improve her own abilities but also to be a role model for the younger players on the team.

Senior pitcher Olivia Wallace also touched on the impact that the team’s chemistry has had on the team this year. She said that the team shows up to practice every day with a mindset to compete and push everyone to get better and that the team’s large freshman class has bought in completely to the competitive culture the team has cultivated.

“Our team is a very competitive group that is very close and truly supports one another,” Wallace said via email.

Wallace said that Tautges being named Player of the Week invigorated the team and that they were not surprised that she received these honors. She praised Tautges work ethic and dedication to getting better, calling her the hardest working person she has ever played with and that she is not only a great player, but also one of her best friends.

Head coach Rachael Click also emphasized Tautges’ lead by example technique, saying that she stays an hour after practice each day to improve the areas of her game that she feels are not where they should be.

Another aspect of leadership that Click praised of her experienced players has been their ability to welcome the underclassmen into the fold and making them feel valued within the softball and CSB communities.

During the team’s trip to Georgia, Click said that they stayed upbeat and positive despite rough travel conditions including layovers and a 21-hour travel day on the return trip to campus. Click championed the tenacity that the team showed during their games, finishing with a record of 4-2.

The Bennies’ next slate of games is the Portland Games, held March 17-19 in Oregon, where they will play six total games.