The key to having a successful season is to set reachable goals, so that teams have a realistic chance to achieve them. Bethel softball coach Jeremy Reitinger knows about that, and has set a standard that his team needs to reach for him to count this season as a success.

“My goal this season is to set a goal that we can reach,” Reitinger said. “If we can go .500 or slightly above, I would be very happy with that.”

“Before the season started, the kids were happy with winning a tournament game last year, and I wrote on the board “8-13” and I told them that is still a losing record. With more experience back this year, that should translate into more wins.”

Even losing three seniors, the Bees should get some help from the younger kids this year, including a pair of key freshman and a transfer student.

“Those kids will make an impact,” Reitinger said “Some have played summer ball, so that will help them this year. We should be better defensively with no gaps.”

A pair of seniors return to lead the way for the Bees, including Katlyn Parker and Brie Ellish.

Parker is an outfielder who according to Reitinger will be a key offensive player for the Bees.

“She should bat in the middle of the lineup, and shows good leadership,” the Bees coach said. “She is a very good glove and this will be her third year lettering.”

“Brie is another good leader who puts in work in the off season,” Reitinger said of his shortstop/pitcher. “She will be our number one pitcher and should be better this year after not pushing herself as much last year knowing she was #2. Now, I am seeing the dedication and she has focused on her pitching.”

Junior Becky Schweiterman will handle the third base position and will be a good leader for the Bees.

“She is a magnet down at third, and is one of the better fielding third basemen I have seen,” Reitinger said. “She doesn’t cut corners and is a great leader. I expect a lot out of her and we expect to get a lot of people on in front of her so it is important for her to bat her position well.”

Ashley Bucholtz returns to the outfield, and has good speed according to the coach. He noted that Bucholtz has improved from last year.

Bethel has four solid sophomores expected to play a major role this year. Morgan Reitinger will catch this year after moving from second base.

“She has a strong arm behind the plate, and the knowledge,” Reitinger said. “You have to be able to understand the game, and she does that well.”

Megan Shaffer will remain at first base, and Maddie Cain will be a solid utility player for the Bees. She will fill in for the infield positions, but can also start in the outfield.

Sophomore newcomer Madison Inman will handle second base, and the year-round softball player will bat high in the lineup.

Two freshmen with high expectations also look to contribute this year, as Grace Anthony will pitch and play shortstop, and Jessica Gilbride will pitch and be a utility player.

First Group 2x2
First Group 2x2
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