The Haskell Lady Haymakers had a fine slowpitch softball season this year going 25-13, were ranked seventh in the state in Class 3A and qualified for the state tournament. And according to coach Kyle Ward, a lot of that is due to the leadership of the four seniors on the team.
“All four were great leaders for us this year,” said Ward. “Some had to play positions they probably didn’t want to play but did it for the good of the team while keeping things under control.”
Perhaps the best known of the four is Lynzi Kelley who was profiled here in February so this story will highlight the other three seniors.
Mariah Arterberry was one of those that changed positions this year.
“She is normally in the outfield, but I wanted an athletic catcher this year and asked her to move and she did it without complaint, “said Ward.
Mariah had a good take on some leadership points she employed during the season.
“I don’t believe in yelling at the younger players, and I tried to emphasize the importance of being serious at practice because I believe that how you practice is how you’ll play.” said Mariah. “I talked a lot about doing the little things correctly.”
Brilee Boutwell started two years for the Lady Haymakers and played in the outfield and summed up the year.
“We started slower than last year, but I always felt we’d come along. Regionals were very tough, and I was worried we wouldn’t make it out, but we all believed in one another and made it. Going to state was a blast and even though we lost in the first game it was the most fun season I had in high school,” said Brilee who was in the National Honor Society and FFA.
The fourth senior was Shania Burnhalter who will move on to play softball at Langston this fall and she recalled the excitement of regionals.
“The second game was probably the highlight for me. I was hitting good and diving for balls and we all played so well that game. In the last game, it was very tense. We trailed late in the game and then Hayden Ward hit a homer that won it for us, and I was so happy for her because it was her first home run and we were so excited about going to state after making it in fast pitch last year.”
Shania was in student council, National Honor Society, FCCLA and FCA at Haskell.
