Softball: BOLD Warriors aim high for 2026
· Yahoo Sports
Apr. 7—OLIVIA — Jessica Aaseth leads one of the deepest softball teams in all of Class A this season.
BOLD, which played to a 14-10 record after going 10-4 in the West Central Conference, has its entire roster back from a spring ago. Its starting lineup brings back loads of experience this year.
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"Our whole starting lineup has been starting for the past two or three seasons," said Aaseth, who enters her fourth season as head coach. "That level of varsity experience is a huge advantage. These girls have played a lot of softball together. They know what to expect from practices and games. They compete with a high level of confidence and trust in one another."
Kaitlyn Flann returns to the circle for the Warriors. The four-year starter, Class A All-State Honorable Mention and All-Area First Team pick had a 14-7 record and a 1.95 ERA with 156 strikeouts in 125-1/3 innings last year. She supplied a .286 batting average with 12 RBIs.
"Kaitlyn is coming into the season throwing about 5-6 MPH harder than last year," Aaseth said of Flann, who is 10 strikeouts away from holding the school record for career strikeouts. "Anytime she's on the mound, our team has the confidence that we have a great chance to win."
Kaitlyn's cousin, Ema Flann, a freshman shortstop, returns for her third season as a starter after receiving All-Area Second Team honors a season ago. That accolade came despite playing the entire season with a knee injury for which she underwent surgery after the end of the season.
Ema batted .360 and had a .573 slugging percentage with 18 RBIs and 12 stolen bases.
"Even while playing hurt, Ema still put up phenomenal numbers," Aaseth said. "She is tough as nails and one of the grittiest players you'll find. We are expecting big things from her this year."
Lila Beckler, a freshman center fielder, leads BOLD's outfield. A three-year starter and All-Area Honorable Mention, she batted .325 with 19 runs, 10 stolen bases and seven RBIs.
"Lila is our leadoff hitter and a lefty slapper who understands that her job is to get on base and set the tone for the lineup," Aaseth said. "She brings phenomenal speed in center field."
Isabel O'Neill, a senior second baseman, and Abby King, a sophomore first baseman, are also headline returners for the Warriors, who also bring back senior outfielder Maggie Ludowese, juniors in catcher/utility Lucy Remer, third baseman Kenley Elfering and designated player Kaelyn Elfering as well as sophomore outfielder Ava Kiecker.
"With the experience, chemistry and competitive drive this group brings every day, we're excited to see what they can accomplish together," Aaseth said.
Aaseth's coaching staff includes Lauren Schaub, Erin Flann and Abby Esser.