After entering the season with only four returning starters, the Cheney Cardinals softball were not entirely sure how quickly things would come together. What followed, however, was a season that exceeded expectations and turned into one defined by chemistry, resilience and belief.
“This team really likes to be around each other on a daily basis,” Cheney coach Justin Batt said. “They encourage each other and are always positive. They work hard and have fun doing it.”
The Cardinals leaned heavily on a talented sophomore class that quickly adjusted to the varsity level and helped Cheney become a contender in the league race sooner than expected.
“We knew this team had potential and thought we would be successful as the year went along,” Batt said. “We only returned four starters from last year’s team. We knew our sophomore class was talented, but didn’t know how soon they would get up to speed. We were very pleased with how this team came together early on in the season and really exceeded our early expectations.”
Cheney accomplished one of its primary goals by putting itself in position to compete for a league championship. Although the Cardinals fell short Monday against Wichita Trinity Knights softball, the season is far from over.
“We wanted to put ourselves in a position to play for a league championship, and we were able to do that,” Batt said. “Unfortunately, we came up short against a good Wichita Trinity team on Monday.”
Now, Cheney has shifted its focus toward postseason play and extending the season as long as possible.
“Obviously, this team wants to play as long as it possibly can,” Batt said. “So, a regional championship would be our next goal.”
The Cardinals have relied on production throughout the lineup. Karli Inslee has contributed both in the circle and at the plate while batting .366. Kennedy Frieden has added consistency at second base with a .345 average, while shortstop Kenadi Thome leads the team with a .431 average. Outfielder Kendyll Walker is batting .415, and pitcher Lilly Stanley has posted a 2.10 ERA.
Still, the coach believes the team’s identity extends far beyond statistics.
“When you look back on this team years down the road, what I’ll remember most is just how these young ladies came together as a group so fast and how they supported each other 100% of the time,” Batt said. “This team never quits. They don’t quit with two strikes, they don’t quit with two outs in an inning, and they don’t quit if they get behind.”
