Talented Carroll aims for return to top of 5A
It's been six years since the Bishop Carroll softball team won a state title. Perhaps more importantly, a two-year run in the Class 5A championship game was broken last season.
With a strong junior class that has depth at nearly every position, the Eagles are primed for another run at the Class 5A state title.
"We are really starting to gel together," co-head coach Angela Del Pozzo said. "This junior class doesn't want to play the way we did at the end of last season again. Most of them have played varsity since they were freshmen, so they know what it takes to get back to where we want to be."
The Eagles lost to Andale/Garden Plain in the Class 5A semifinals in 11 innings. What was supposed to be a third consecutive trip to the finals ended up being a fourth-place finish.
"It's been a huge motivator for the girls this spring," Del Pozzo said.
Carroll has the two building blocks in pitcher Megan Wilson and catcher Erica Hampton.
Wilson, who was an all-league selection last year, went 9-1 with a 0.69 ERA, while striking out 61 batters.
Hampton is a three-year starter and knows how to handle the staff. She picked off 21 runners at first base and threw out five of six runners trying to steal second base.
"The key for our team to be successful is our pitching," Del Pozzo said. "Meg is our clear No. 1, but it will be interesting to see who can get our No. 2 spot."
In years past, Carroll has been a power-hitting team. But this year the Eagles add an explosive dynamic with their speed.
"We have strong hitters who are going to drive in runs, but I think we will be able to run more," Del Pozzo said. "I think we are going to have a really good offense."