The softball team is staying focused on each practice and game as it works to build itself into a championship contender in the face of high expectations this season.
The Cardinals have become one of the best softball programs in Kansas, making the state tournament every year since 2019, including a state title in 2022 and third place finishes the last two years.
The team is led by a senior class loaded with talent. Senior Samantha Claire boasts one of the best pitching resumes in the state and has committed to play softball at KU next year.
“We’ve worked, honestly, for years, and we’re hungry for more,” Claire said. “I think that we have a lot of expectations.”
Offensively, the Cardinals are led by the power-hitting “bomb squad” of seniors Jaiden Burris, Alexia Born and Reese Pattison. Senior Katie Courter rounds out the core of the Cardinals’ lineup.
“With that many kids of that talent, I’m not sure Eudora has seen that before,” head coach Bill Finucane said. “So, it’s very unique.”
Finucane said the excitement is obvious up and down the roster, but it will be crucial for the team to stay focused on each game and not get distracted by what could happen in May.
“There’s a lot of energy, and they’re ready to see what they can do,” Finucane said.
Claire said she hopes the team is marked by its hard work over the next few months.
“Every day at practice, everyone wants to be here and work together,” Claire said.
Pattison said it was bittersweet going into her last season of high school softball, but she was excited to compete with such a talented team.
The Cardinals will open the season Friday evening at home against Blue Valley Southwest.
“I think this program is very special,” Claire said. “ And I think these girls are what make it special, and these coaches. So definitely knowing, like, next year is new beginnings, you’re excited, but change is hard, and I think this team makes it hard.”
Pattison said she is excited to see the team start to display its skill and hopes the whole roster buys into being uplifting teammates and communicating as a group.
“We’re all so close,” she said. “We’re like a big family. We all love each other so much, and we all play for each other.”
Reach reporter Cuyler Dunn at [email protected]
