Young team hopes to finish as conference champions

The CSB softball team is hoping to perform even better than they did in the previous season. The team returns in the 2022 season with 17 returning players, five being seniors, and 10 first-year players.

They are looking to start off their season strong. Head coach Rachael Click said the team is ready to hit the ground running.

“A goal of ours is always to get further than we did the season before,” Click said.

Senior Jordyn Swoboda agreed.

“Our returners have that hunger to finish what we started last year and our first-year’s talents and competitiveness add to the fire,” she said.

Last year, the Bennies ended their season ranked second in the MIAC, and second regionally as well. They are hoping that a more normal-looking season will help them progress further in championship competition.

“In a normal year we would have felt good about possibly getting an at-large bid to the NCAA postseason tournament. However, the bracket of teams allowed in was much smaller due to COVID,” Click said.

This year, CSB has the possibility to host collegiate championship tournaments as well. Click explained that an added incentive of winning the MIAC would be the ability to host a collegiate tournament, something that has not happened since building the new outdoor facilities.

The Bennies have many goals going into the new season.

“I would like to see our team continue to show confidence in the field, in the circle and at the plate. We are tough to beat when we are resilient and confident,” Click said.

Swoboda wants to be prepared for anything the MIAC may throw at them.

The team has its first official game in Mankato at the MSU dome, where they will be competing against many of the top-ranked schools from Wisconsin. After that, they will be heading to Florida for spring break training and games that will help to strengthen their schedule.

“Once the season takes off, it goes fast,” Swoboda said.

Swoboda emphasized that the college athlete experience is a unique one, and that all student-athletes should enjoy every moment.

“Take every chance you get, and make the best of everything. It is the little moments that you are going to remember the most,” she said.

Both Click and Swoboda are excited to see where the season will take them and how the team will compete and continue to improve.

“We are excited to see how our pitchers compete… and I am excited with see our hitters this season. We have a lot of talent,” Click said.

Bennie softball will start regular season competition on March 20, where they are set to take on Buena Vista in the home opener at the CSB Softball Complex.