By TYLER DRUMMOND
of The Gazette
As usual the Stevens Point Area Senior High girls softball team is off and rolling.
The last time the Panthers lost a game was three years ago, and with a 7-0 start to this young season, the team has won their last 51 games.
"I'm not exactly sure what the record is but we must be approaching it," said head coach Tom Drohner, adding later that he thought the record stood at 58 but he wasn't entirely sure.
Along with the record, the Panthers are looking to win their fourth straight state title, a feat that Drohner is aiming to accomplish.
"We would really like the opportunity to defend our state championship," said Drohner.
The Panthers are using great pitching, tough defense and superb hitting to stifle their opponents.
"There's not really anything I've seen this year that hasn't been at least good," he said. "We could make better decisions at the plate sometimes and shore up our defense a little, but other than that we've been real tough."
One area that Drohner feels can be improved upon is finding more playing time for some of the girls that don't have much varsity experience. "We need to get some of the bench players more in-game experience so they can get the feeling of having their backs up against the wall. Just getting all the experience they need is something we should work on," he said.
The starting lineup of the Panthers features three seniors, which may not seem like a lot but is enough for Drohner. "We have outstanding senior leadership," he said.
Leading the way is a pair of seniors that were named to the all-state team last season, catcher Korryn Brooks and pitcher Kelly Jablonski. Brooks is the team's leading returning hitter from a year ago, while Jablonski has a career record of 38-0, and will see the majority of the action on the mound.
The infield is comprised of senior Jacci Seefeldt (first base), junior Jaycie Fritsch (second) and sophomores Katie Maultra (shortstop) and Sara Petersen (third).
The outfield holds juniors Stephanie Precourt (centerfield) and Jenna Smith (right field) and freshman Brittany Lang.
"We have an all-around, really great team this year," said Drohner.
Many people may think Drohner, who is in his seventh year as head coach, has found the secret elixir to winning but, quite simply put, he feels his team outworks every other program in the state.
"It's having tremendous athletes, having those athletes buy into what I have to teach, and working your tail end off in practice, taking extra ground balls and doing extra conditioning," said Drohner. "That's the secret to winning."
So for fans that want to go out and experience some great softball action, Drohner says the place to be is Zenoff Park during Panther softball games.
"We work hard and we play well," he said. "If people want to see top notch softball at it's best, come on out and watch the Panthers."
The Panthers next host Wausau West at Zenoff Park on Friday, April 23, at 4:30 p.m.