Serving Whitman County since 1877
Serving Whitman County since 1877
The Colton softball team is on a temporary hiatus for Spring Break while play is to resume Monday at home vs. Orofino.
Coach Brad Nilson again leads the team, in his ninth year as head coach.
The Wildcats began their defense of the state 1B title with a loss in their first game, at Dayton. Since then, they beat Asotin 11-1 and dominated Touchet in a doubleheader.
The team has six returning starters and is missing one in catcher Carrie Hennigar, who is not able to play due to an injury before the season.
On the mound again for Colton is the combination of Zoe Moser and Winnie Schultheis, while sophomore Kendyl Druffel returns in left field, Savannah Chadwick in center, Rachel Meyer at first base and MaryAnn Jacobs at second.
At shortstop, replacing Jenna Moser is either Zoe Moser or Schultheis – depending on who is pitching.
New at third base this year is freshman Georgia Meyer.
Replacing Hennigar at catcher has been sophomore Emma Schultheis, who also pitches.
At the plate so far this year, the team has shown balance.
"We’re pretty strong all the way through the order," said Nilson.
Against Touchet, Rachel Meyer hit a home run that landed on the boys’ field, which is about 30 feet removed from the softball fence.
"I’ve never seen one hit that far at Touchet," Nilson said.
The Wildcats have a total of 16 players on the roster, including three eighth-graders.
Overall, Nilson said the opening loss was useful.
"I always say, I learn more from a loss than I ever do a win," he said.
An added challenge this year is the major remodeling project at Colton High School, which has now claimed the gym. In turn, rainouts have seen the boys baseball team and girls softball working out in the bus barn.
Garth Meyer is a former Whitman County Gazette reporter.
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