Bethany softball aims for deeper playoff run

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Bethany outfielder Jules Barger bats against Clinton Monday (Aug. 26, 2024). (PHOTO: Kristie Escoe/Life in Action Photography)

Last season, Bethany’s softball team won its first playoff game won its first playoff game in a decade.

Bethany softball coach Booker Blakley (PHOTO: Bethany Public Schools)

Broncho coach Booker Blakley’s aim is for this year’s team to go further in the playoffs this season.

“(The) goal is to host a regional and make it to super regionals and give ourselves a chance at a state tournament,” Blakley said via a preseason questionnaire.

The Bronchos finished 18-18 a year ago, beating Ada twice but falling two times to host Cache in the 4A regional round.

“We will rely on solid pitching and defense to keep us in all games and hope to improve offensively from last year,” Blakley said.

Bethany shortstop Madison Bibbs catches a pop fly hit by Classen S.A.S. while head coach Booker Blakley looks on in the Lady Broncho’s 19-0 win Saturday (Sept. 7, 2024) (PHOTO: Kristie Escoe/Life in Action Photography)

Despite the loss of Ireland Riley to graduation and Indiana State, Blakely will have six seniors on the roster for his second season at the helm in Bethany.

Catcher Madison Bibbs returns after a hitting .447 last season with three home runs and 44 runs batted in. Bibbs earned National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) All-Region second team.

In the circle, Paige Sechrist had 89 strikeouts. She went 9-8 on the year with a 2.74 earned run average of 104 innings of work. In the regular season, Seachrist also hit .292 with 14 RBIs.

First baseman Berkley Johnson also returns. Johnson hit .284 in the regular season last year.

Pitcher Jayda Davis went 9-8 for the season, including playoffs. Davis had a save and a 3.42 ERA in the regular season.

Bethany infielder Emma Buxton heads to first after getting a hit in the first inning in the Lady Bronchos’ 19-0 win over Classen S.A.S. Saturday (Sept. 7, 2024). (PHOTO: Kristie Escoe/Life in Action Photography)

Infielder Emma Buxton hit .274 a season ago and also returns.

Outfielder Alyssa Daniels hit .323 with seven doubles, one homer and 11 runs batted in. Daniels is injured to start the season.

Utility player Maddison McNutt was a starter as a sophomore but dealt with an injury last season. Ultimately, McNutt recovered to contribute to the basketball squad last year and will return to softball as a senior.

Four juniors look to play a big role for Bethany.

Outfielder Jules Barger earned NFCA All-Region first team after hitting .400 avg with two home runs while driving in 42 runs.

Shortstop Grey Williamson hit .276 in the regular season with a home run.

Outfielders Ella Davis and Emma Geissler also return. Geissler hit .361 over 61 at-bats and Davis showed some pop with a home run and 17 runs batted in.

Blakley expects three freshman to make an impact in their first season.

Riane Rollins is a left handed first baseman and pitcher. Dani Williams and Avery Bibbs will both be in utility roles.

“All three have the opportunity to make their way into the lineup,” Blakley said. “Other freshman have given great depth, no weak links in the upcoming freshman class.”