by Ryan Duvall ‘21

After coasting through the regular season last year, the varsity softball team had their eyes on a state championship. The Warriors looked unbeatable going into playoffs with a 16-0 record through the regular season. When playoffs came around, they had a bye in the first round, but were eliminated by Urbana 11-0 in the second round. After the devastating loss last year, the Warriors are eager to compete for a state title.

Coach Ashley Barber-Strunk is optimistic about the prospects of the team coming into the season. She feels like the team realizes that playoffs are where they need to shine.“Since there were no seniors last year, everyone [on the team this year] knows what the loss felt like, and they want to come back with a vengeance,” said Barber-Strunk. “We know now the season isn’t what fully matters,”; it’s playoffs.”

The team will not have just one star, but is full of players who could make contributions. “I truly don’t feel that this team has a few strong players; I honestly feel this team is comprised of strengths all around and each individual is able to bring to the table what it will take to win a championship,” she said.

Sherwood comes into the season with a roster led by juniors, which makes them a team that should be exciting for the next two years. Fortunately for the Warriors, it won’t take very long for the team to gel as it returns with a majority of the roster staying the same. The Warriors will look to repeat their dominance in the regular season, with a relatively easy schedule. The toughest matchups will come in April and May when Sherwood faces off against Blair and Northwest. The season will officially start March 21 when Sherwood plays Churchill at home. The Warriors won four titles in a row from 2013-2017 during an amazing 100 plus game win streak. This year they look to get back to their dominant ways and bring home another banner.