MISHICOT — It was a magical 2024 softball season for Mishicot. They are undefeated (29-0) this year and have booked another trip to the Division 3 state tournament in Madison, but after losing in the first round of the state tournament last year, this team is looking to go much deeper.
“Getting there (Madison on behalf of the state) is the most important thing,” Mishicot junior catcher Kasey Brouchoud said. “Getting to the championship game is great, but just knowing that you gave yourself enough to get there is just great.”
Mishicot is no stranger to performing in Madison under head coach Dawn Shimek. They have done so in 6 of the last 10 seasons, winning the Division 4 crown in 2021. Last year they lost to Mayville in the semifinals.
“Last year, our deadlines were slightly shortened. this year, I’m just ready to come back and get some revenge, if you want to say so,” junior pitcher Kiran Sanford said.
Shimek knows what it takes to win it all and how this year’s team can earn the hardware:
“When you have eight seniors, they have a goal and they lead the team,” Shimek said. “Kiran (Sanford) pitching. Just that desire and desire. Having been there last year and knowing what it’s like, we’re hoping to have two more games left.
You just heard a few reasons, the most important of which is Sanford’s pitching. The junior was at his best, throwing no hits while striking out 18 batters in his sectional final win over Peshtigo.
“Once I get the first one down, I’m moving on,” Sanford said. “Especially after the first round where I lost three times in a row and then I thought, OK, we’ve got this.”
The crazy thing is that Sanford, just a junior, didn’t start a single game on the mound for Mishicot last year. Their ace now was senior Cora Stodola, but Sanford took over that role early in the season.
“She has ups and downs, she can control where the ball goes and she shoots in the 60s. Many girls struggle to achieve this goal,” Shimek said.
Sanford has several hitters this season, and her success is no surprise to her batterymate.
“I saw a up-to-date intensity in her and you could just tell this is the season. She had it coming. She just had it and was ready to go.
Now behind this team is about a week off to prepare for state.
“I think next week of training just focus and keep grinding like you always do. Keep reaching out and just remember it’s not over,” Brouchoud said.
