The Lady Chiefs Varsity Softball Team has finished its season with a record of 10-9-1 and has qualified to compete for the chance to play in the state tournament.

Team captain Megan Eberle is one of seven seniors on the team this year, six of whom have played together since they were freshmen. Of these seven girls, pitcher Hannah Newton has already signed to play softball at Lander University in South Carolina, and a few of the others are still undecided. Senior Julia Dunlap has yet to decide if she would rather attend a large university or play softball at a smaller school. Megan, who is not planning on playing softball in college, said, “We have the largest amount of seniors that we’ve had in any consecutive years. The seniors have all been playing together for years, so it’s pretty unifying. We have new coaches, so they bring new things to the table.”

The softball team is one of two fall sports teams at MHS that has had a complete turnabout in coaching staff this school year. New varsity coach Erin Myers, a new health and P.E. teacher here, played softball in her years at Sandy Creek High School and coached the Bennett’s Mill Middle School team before joining the Chief family. English teacher Sara Knight took on the role of junior varsity coach. Julia said, “This year has been the best year because our new coaching staff really helps the team function better as a whole; [there’s] more team unity.” Coach Myers said that her favorite part of coaching this season was the team’s sense of unity and friendship; she said, “The girls support each other on and off the field.”

Junior Tori Jaeckel had never played softball before joining the Lady Chiefs this season. She said, “I’ve really enjoyed getting to know the girls. If I’ve messed up, they’ve helped me out. I love the team so much.” She had her first hit at the game against Whitewater High School on August 28. Megan said, “It was our biggest upset. It’s the first time we’ve beat them in 10 years, I think, or at least as long as I’ve been at McIntosh.” At that memorable game, Tori’s first ever hit went right over the shortstop’s head and helped the Lady Chiefs to their 2-0 win.

On the other side of the spectrum was the October 1 game against the Union Grove Wolverines, a 1-13 loss for MHS. Coach Myers said, “Union Grove was error after error, and no one could hit the ball. That was rough.” But she said that the team quickly bounced back after extra running drills at practice.

The Varsity Softball Team competed at the playoffs for the state tournament, but lost to Union Grove with a score of 9-1.