HASLETT - Different than most high school teams, Haslett softball only has a varsity team.

“I think this team is pretty young and we don't have a JV team, so anyone who tried out made the team, so obviously there's like a diversity of playing ability,” varsity junior captain Keelin
McManus said. “And I think that really helps us work together so that the younger girls can see the older girls play.”

It graduated four seniors last year, and because of the six girls’ sports offered, there weren’t enough people to make a JV team.

Welcoming freshman to their squad, varsity junior captain
Samantha Munson said the older girls will serve as example to the less experienced newbies.

“All of the upperclassmen want to be able to help and motivate the younger clansmen, because they're like just beginning to be on varsity,” Munson said.

McManus said the freshmen are talented and are already improving.

“I think the freshman coming in are very strong and I think they'll do a good job replacing the seniors' jobs from last year,” she said.

Although the team has helped each other throughout this unique situation, the weather in Michigan has hindered Haslett’s practices.

Rain and cold have caused the field to be muddy and like “quicksand”, giving no traction when running.

Head coach Dan Ruhstorfer said in order to get a real feeling for the game of softball, he has to get the girls outside on the field, because conditions inside don’t compare to a real-life game situation.

“So you're starting with freshmen playing, 14-year-old girls playing against 19-year-old girls, it's a big difference,” Ruhstorfer said.

Although all girls get to expand their abilities, there are only so many spots out on the field in a game.

“They kinda step in here and it's sad they don't have a JV program where they can get a lot of at bats so they really have to battle for a position with the older girls and hopefully they do,” Ruhstorfer said.

Battling for positions can also make them stronger, which is a key to achieving their goal of winning districts.

McManus said they can't just compete with one another, they need to guide each other and grow together.

"I think we need to work together more as a team instead of focusing on individuals, because we have four freshmen that are stepping up, and I think if we can really include them and work all together, we can do well," McManus said.

One focus they will have during practice this season is communication on the field.

"We're yelling each other's names, encouraging people,"
Munson said. "If someone does something wrong at practice, it's okay. We just push them, like 'you got it next time,' and that helps a lot more in a game."

Learning the bits and pieces of what a game entails is only one part of the game of softball.

To be a team, the girls need chemistry and camaraderie.

"They all get along," Ruhstorfer said. "It's just a good group of girls."

Despite the freshmen who haven't had much time to get to know the other girls, the team has found ways to include everyone.

"We're just more of a bonded team than we usually are," Munson said.