Softball: Young Willmar Cardinals amp up for another run
· Yahoo Sports
Apr. 7—WILLMAR — A young Willmar softball team was able to make a run all the way to the Section 8AAA final four in 2025.
The Cardinals hope to build off that late-season success to make another long postseason journey this spring.
Visit newsbetting.club for more information.
"I have the utmost confidence in this group," said Willmar second-year head coach Breanna Tupa. Her assistants are Dain Kalkbrenner, Erica Bradford, Hannah Johnson and Jarad Ripperger.
"Their work ethic, toughness and love for softball set a strong foundation for success," Tupa continued. "I'm excited to see how they continue to grow, develop and compete together as a team throughout the season."
Willmar went 11-13 last season, including 6-7 in the Central Lakes Conference and 8-6 against section teams.
The Cardinals graduated a trio of seniors in Grace Etterman, Hannah Magnuson and Madison Norsten. Magnuson was an All-CLC pick.
But, there are five returning starters.
Senior Aubrey Peterson and freshman Brynnlee Carroll will split time at catcher. They'll also see time in the outfield. Carroll was an All-CLC selection last season.
The Cardinals also bring back their top two pitchers from last season in sophomore Grace Kalkbrenner and eighth-grader Claire Guennigsmann. Grace also plays first base and Guennigsmann will see time at second base.
"Grace and Claire are players to watch," Tupa said. "We have a young pitching crew but our girls have a lot of power behind every pitch. Their control of their pitches and the game is evident. I am excited to see their growth over another season."
Sophomore Norah Nesges returns to the outfield. She'll be relied upon as junior Isley Ripperger works her way back from a knee injury that ended her basketball season. Tupa said Isley hopes to return towards the end of the season. Isley was an All-Area and All-CLC pick last season after hitting for a .377 average and .467 on-base percentage with 26 stolen bases. She also had a 1.000 fielding percentage.
"This season, our team will feature five underclassmen in starting positions," Tupa said. "While they may be younger than many of the athletes they will compete against, they are far from inexperienced. Their passion for the game and their commitment to improving continue to stand out and their ability to compete goes well beyond their years."
The Cardinals open the season with a home CLC doubleheader against Detroit Lakes on Tuesday, April 14.
Willmar has four teams from last year's state tournament on its schedule.
Moose Lake-Willow River, a Class A state qualifier, competes with the Cardinals at the Zumbrota-Mazeppa tournament on Saturday, April 18 in Zumbrota. Blackduck, another Class A qualifier, is in the field with Willmar at the Pierz tournament on Saturday, April 25. Willmar hosts defending Class AAA champion — and Section 8AAA winner — Rocori on Tuesday, April 28. That's followed by a matchup against Class AAAA qualifier Brainerd on Thursday, April 30.