West Platte softball is hoping to pick up where it left off last season with some postseason success.
The 2024 Class 2 District 7 runner-up became the first West Platte team to win 16 games in a single season since 2014 as the team picked up its first postseason victories — a district quarterfinal against East Buchanan and semifinal against North Platte — since 2016. Now, the Blue Jays are eager to get back to that position.
“The coaching staff and players have high expectations for this season,” head coach Holly Lintner said. “With key returning players at core positions, we hope to have a similar finish as last year.”
West Platte fell to eventual state runner-up Mid-Buchanan in the district championship. With a cast of returning veterans, the Blue Jays hope to get another shot at district glory in October.
All-state pitcher Sophie Grier will lead West Platte for her senior season, joined by all-district first team third baseman Addy Hughes, Morgan VanNatta and Molly Cline. Lintner feels relieved knowing that her defense is sharp and can make plays when they are needed.
“She (Sophie Grier) can rely on her teammates to make the plays behind her and keep us in close games,” Lintner said. “We will also have a strong offensive lineup with Sophie Grier leading the roster with her bat as well.”
A newcomer to the Blue Jays’ infield this year will be shortstop Madelyn Cline. The freshman can flash the leather and produce offensively for West Platte over the next four years of her high school career.
Lintner is looking forward to one final season with this year’s senior class. She has been with them since they were in seventh grade and now wants to send them off in the best way possible.
“It has been so rewarding to see how much they have grown as individuals and as athletes over the years,” she said. “The majority of our roster has played together for years as well, so it is great to see how well they have worked together, and how they can put it all together this season and see success.”