Reloading with first-year class

For the College of Saint Benedict softball team, age is not a deciding factor.

This year, 12 first-year athletes make up over half of the Blazers' roster. Two of those first-year players, Taylor Ellingson and Sara Wennerstrand, have quickly made an impact on their team.

Over spring break, the Blazers traveled to Clermont, Florida to compete in a 12-game tournament. Ellingson tallied 30 strikeouts to help her team finish 7-5. Last week, she was named MIAC Pitcher of the Week.

"Coming into the program, I was really nervous," Ellingson said. "But I've learned to just go out there and compete. And it's encouraging to be a part of a team with so much potential."

Wennerstrand has also been recognized for her rookie performances. After her collegiate debut, she was named Blazer Athlete of the Week.

"I was really excited for this season because it was a new experience with a new team," Wennerstrand said. "I didn't really know what to expect, but it helped that everyone was so welcoming and I felt like a part of the team right away."

Inclusivity is key

As Ellingson, Wennerstrand and the rest of the first-year class adapt to the realm of collegiate athletics, their upperclassmen teammates have helped welcome the newcomers with open arms.

"They've set an example for all of us first-year athletes to follow," Ellingson added.

Each practice, both players and coaches stress the idea of togetherness. By doing so, athletes switch partners throughout drills to make sure everyone has the opportunity to get to know each other.

"It helps that we have great leaders in our upperclassmen," head coach Rachael Click said.  "This isn't a tier-structured team - where freshman have different roles and expectations than seniors.  Our upperclassmen have done a good job helping the newcomers adjust and that has and will be a huge part of our success."

During the fall season, the team had 12 practices. The coaches evaluated players during the first few weeks and after deciding the team, practices were spread out throughout the week.

"That is when the players are able to meet each other and build relationships," Click said. "I thought it went really well. The newcomers were able to figure out where they fit on the team and the returners were very inclusive."

Young team, new talent, new challenges

For Click and the rest of the coaches, a young team brings a lot of excitement and promise for the future of the program.

"Having a young team that is so talented is really exciting," Click said. "There are a lot of players that can step in and make an impact right away. Their energy, competitiveness and raw talent has allowed them to be successful early."

However, according to Click, there have been some challenges working with first-year players.

"Because there are so many new to the program, there is a lot to learn," Click said. "Fundamentals, drills, defensive plays, signs and expectations outside of practice are new for over half of our team."

With that being said, though, the team chemistry has been great. The players are a lot of fun to work with because they are so willing to improve."

What it takes

While the first-year players have proven the talent that they can bring to the team, the returners have claimed roles as big leaders.

Junior Kim Lidstone is one of those important leaders for the Blazers.

"With a big first-year class coming in and a few returners not coming back, we all realized how important it is for each person on our team to step up," Lidstone said. "There are some big shoes to fill, but no one can think that they can't do that. I think I have adapted to that role pretty well."

Last season, the Blazers finished third in the MIAC conference. With such a new team, it is difficult to tell where the Blazers will fall in the standings this season.

However, Click is confident that Florida's games have helped her team see some of the potential that could place the Blazers as one of the top teams in the MIAC.

"We need to continue to make attitude and effort a priority every game, these are things we can control," she said.      

Some might view this year as a rebuilding year for the program, but Lidstone couldn't disagree more.

"The first-year class contributes a lot of natural skill and I'm confident that we will perform well this season," Lidstone added. "The more experience we can build, the better we can play."

No matter the age, Click says, it's important for the Blazers to compete as a team.

"It will be extremely important for us to work together and put that finished product on the field," she said. "We need to lean on each other and bring our strengths together each game."