Bremen, Glenn softball first out of the dugout
Two of the first area high school softball teams to take the field this year could be the two best. Bremen will have plenty of new faces, but was a state finalist the last two seasons before the pandemic struck out last spring’s schedule. Glenn’s program has been slowly building and will have a huge number of players with varsity experience on the diamond this spring with hopes of its best season in years. Here are previews of both teams as their season openers quickly approach.
History on Lions’ side
The last two seasons played ended with Bremen in the Class 2A state finals, winning it all in 2019. Most everyone from those lineups are gone, but between the couple of holdovers and its reputation, the Lady Lions are ranked No. 10 (Class 3A) in the preseason poll. Bremen was moved up to 3A last year due to the success factor, but of course, did not get to play.
“Even though we have five seniors, we are very young in experience,” said head coach Mike Huppert, now in his 10th year leading the program. “We are hoping our hitting can give the run support that is required to win.”
The veteran coach will find out what he has soon enough as the team opens at Fairfield today (weather permitting), followed by its first home game on Saturday versus Northwood (1 p.m.).
Returning letterwinners include seniors Hanna Depoy (P/IF, played 3B in state finals game), Paige Thompson (IF), and Maddy Shumaker (LF), plus juniors Jaylin Swint (C), Gretchen Willis (IF) and Ellia Foster (CF).
Newcomers to watch include seniors Izzy Clinger (IF) and Nora Smessaert (IF), junior transfer Naomi Flores (P/IF), sophomore Katie Moyer (RF) and freshman Mickey Shively (IF).
Assisting Huppert are Jon Hershberger (10th year), Rob Coffel (4th year), Bailey Fritter (3rd year) and Chelsea Huppert (1st year).
The Lady Lions will face stiff competition as usual, in the strong Northern Indiana Conference.
“There is obviously a lot of change since we last played, but I am anticipating the NIC will be the best conference again in northern Indiana,” added Huppert. “All the schools have been good in the past and I expect them to reload as usual. Penn, St. Joe, SB Adams, New Prairie, (now one school) Elkhart and Jimtown should all be strong; add in SB Washington, SB Clay, SB Riley, Glenn, and Mishawaka Marian and it will be a challenge.”
Bremen is a host site for sectionals and will play several of its potential postseason opponents (Plymouth, Glenn, CGA, Knox) during the regular season. The Lady Lions will also host a four-team tourney on May 15.
Experience should help Lady Falcons
Glenn’s softball team has a whopping 12 returning letterwinners, the majority being seniors.
“Having nine seniors leading the team is amazing to have,” said head coach Shonne Birch. “They know the role that they have to play to win. They know we don’t have a lights-out pitcher so we have to get it with our bats and our defense.”
Those returnees include seniors Megan Peterson (1B/OF), Lauren Taylor (IF), Maddy Weber (C), Skylar Vermilyer (OF), Cynthia Galves (OF), Lilie Borsch (OF), Jill Clark (C/OF), Victoria Dunkelberger (IF) and Zoie Scott (P), as well as juniors Averie Sanchez (P/SS), Kendall Goodlink (3B), Amelia Capales (P/1B), and Kenzie Shafer (2B/OF).
Newcomers to watch for include Natalie Wilton and Trinity Tirotta.
The coaching staff includes Maggie Birch (varsity assistant), Cirassa Smith (JV head coach), Sydnee Birch (JV assistant), Sydney Donlon (JV assistant) and Kelsie West (volunteer assistant).
The Lady Falcons will take the field for the first time Tuesday, March 30 (5:15 p.m.), for a home game against South Central before three road games April 3, 6, 7. Later in the season (May 15), Glenn will again be one of the teams playing in the Queen of the Diamonds Tournament, where it made it to the championship game the last time it was played.