Springs Valley Community High School

Last spring was a great one for the Springs Valley softball team. The Blackhawks went 12-10 but they went 5-1 in the Patoka Lake Athletic Conference and won the conference championship. This spring the Springs Valley softball team will have to see who steps up if it wants to continue that success. Ashlyn Bonta, Emri Allen, Bostyn Rowlett, Madison Farris, Brynne Buchannan, Tynley Kluesner, and Lola Pantoja have all graduated, leaving a bunch of roles to fill. The Blackhawks believe they have the talent to fill those roles. “We keep pushing, we keep working each day to get better. Practicing at a higher pace and intensity, tweaking those little things that maybe need a little tightening up,” Springs Valley coach Jill Bonta said. “We also remind the girls that they belong in the top, we have talent, we have worked hard to get the program to where it is and we plan to stay on top.” Maci Eckerty played in 13 games her freshman year, hitting .261 with two triples and four runs batted in. Eckerty has already proven herself to be a good athlete in basketball and volleyball and the Blackhawks are hoping that softball is the next step in that. Elliott Wininger got into a few varsity games last season and could take a step this year as a sophomore. Springs Valley also hopes to see a step from Mikaela Cavazos. “We watched Mikaela Cavazos, Elliott Wininger, and Maci Eckerty grow all through last year, filling in when we needed them and doing the role that we asked of them. That year of growth paid off and they are both showing big promise this season.” The Blackhawks could also get a boost from their freshman class. Olivia Allen can help out behind the plate and Lola Kovas will make an impact in the infield. Tanessa Jackson can help out with pitching some. “Our new freshmen this year, Olivia Allen and Lola Kovas, may shock some people,” Jill Bonta said. “They are quick, eager to learn, and love the game.” Lily Hickman returns after being named all-conference last season. As a pitcher, she posted a 12-8 record. She struck out 152 batters in 128 innings. At the plate, she hit .484 with 26 runs batted in and eight home runs—all team-highs. Seniors Karson Dalton and Molly Tucker can help her out. Last season Dalton drove in eight runs and stole six bases. Tucker finished second on the team with seven stolen bases and also drove in five runs. Kaylee McNeely will be important behind the plate. She drove in six runs and hit a homer against Salem last season. Each of these players will be important as the ‘Hawks look for leaders with so many players from last year having graduated. “So far, we have had various girls step up into various roles. Each personality brings something Different,” Jill Bonta said. “We are all capable of being ‘loud’ but we are working on finding who can be that leader — when things get tough, the one you want to hear from to take the game to a higher level and bring us to where we need to be.” The Blackhawks will scrimmage Southridge on Thursday. They will use this game to see how the players fit into the puzzle and what position they will progress in. We might even see one of the girls or multiple step ups and show us their skills. Looking forward to this season by the Blackhawks. “As I have explained to our girls, Thursday is not for us to win, it is for us to see how we are progressing on the skills we need. Have I put together the best field and lineup that will work with the assets that the girls have.” Jill Bonta said “We play 4 different innings with 4 different defenses and lineups. Each pitcher can only pitch to 15 girls. We will see who is earning a spot and who is going to continue to work on their skills and challenge each day to have one of those spots.” Springs Valley Blackhawks Last Season:12-10 (5-1 PLAC) Coach:Jill Bonta (45-57 in 6th season, 7th year at Springs Valley) Players to Know: Karson Dalton (Sr.), Lily Hickman (Jr.), Kaylee McNeely (Jr.), Molly Tucker(Sr.) Games to Circle: April 11th vs. West Washington, April 25th vs. Paoli, April 30th vs. Orleans