North Platte sophomore Kate Wolf was a reliable pitcher in 2022 and will be back on the mound in 2023.
In the aftermath of the best North Platte softball season in nearly a decade, the Lady Pirates are looking to keep the strong play going this fall.
There were some talented seniors who graduated last year, but there’s only three starting spots that need to be replaced. The Lady Panthers went 22-4 in 2022, with two of the losses coming against Class 3 opponents.
“With nine returning who played varsity last year, we are shaping up nicely,” North Platte softball coach Farrah Seckel said. “There are some younger players who are stepping up and competing for open positions.”
North Platte has an experienced infield with Courtney Dehn, Brooke Kretzer, Kate Wolf, Lindsay Ramsey and Camryn Kersten. Senior Kenedie Summers will be a returning outfielder.
“Wolf and Dehn are both healthy and stronger this year on the mound; so far, they both look great. Ramsey, Kersten, Dehn and Kretzer will be strong in our lineup, we are still working to replace the explosive leadoff duo of (Olivia) Rogers and (Jaylin) Burgess from the last couple of seasons,” Seckel said.
North Platte had a rough stretch from 2016 to 2020 without any winning records before going 41-13 since 2021. The Lady Panthers were undefeated on the road last year and averaged 9.5 runs and only allowed three runs per game.
“Our key to success this season will be execution. All the parts are there, we just have to find the best fit and do our jobs,” Seckel said.
North Platte let the lead slip late in the Class 2 District 7 Championship Game against Mid-Buchanan. The Lady Panthers haven’t won a district title since 2015, but will look to change that this upcoming season.