Postseason upset ends Wildcat hopes

Aleanah Yoder, Staff Writer • May 15, 2024

Seniors Grace Drake and Lovlie Haidusek open their senior gifts during senior night. The softball team played kickball in the high school gym for their senior night due to bad weather.

The softball season came to a disappointing end last week after a 4-1 loss to Stokcton in the district semifinals, but the Cats ended the season 23-3.

For the team’s seniors, the unexpected season end was difficult.

“I was surprised. None of us thought that it was going to happen. It was kind of a reality check,” senior outfielder Autum Walton said.

Walton was one of five seniors on the team. Senior Olivia Strange played second base, Grace Drake played first and third base, Jaylen McCullick played outfield and Alison Longhat-Hallock played third base.

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While disappointed in the loss, seniors put the season in their rearview feeling proud of what the team accomplished.

“I felt like the season went well. We actually bonded as a team and I feel like that shows how this group of girls will continue to grow in the future,” senior Walton said.

“I feel our team works well together and it shows when we are out on that field,” senior Olivia Strange said.

“I think the season went pretty well. We started strong and had a lot of big goals for post season. We didn’t necessarily come with the fire that was needed for districts, but I am still beyond proud of my team and what we did accomplish this year. I cannot wait to watch what they do next year,” McCullick said.

Due to a weather cancellation, senior night ended up being a kickball game in the high school gym on April 26.

“Obviously as a senior it is very bittersweet, senior night is the one night you look forward to since you started playing. I will say that I appreciate what everyone went through to try and make sure we still had one,” Strange said.

Some of the team’s accomplishments this season include placing in the Harrison, Arkansas Softball tournament at the beginning of the season, winning the Buffalo Tournament, winning the pool in the Adrian tournament and getting second place in the Ozark Highlands Conference Tournament.

The seniors have been very supportive to the younger players and passed on their wisdom.

“No matter what, always try your best and never look down on yourself,” Walton said.

“To all the underclassmen, do not wish your time away. Yes, high school sucks, I know, but it is also going to be one of your fondest memories so live it up,” Strange said.

“Never give up on yourself and keep pushing forward. No matter what comes next you will be ready for it,” senior Alison Longhat-Hallock said.

About the Contributors

Aleanah Yoder, Staff Writer

This is freshman Aleanah Yoder’s first year on the newspaper staff. She is a writer for The Wildcat Newspaper, and the Wildcat online. Yoder decided to join the newspaper staff because she enjoys writing and taking pictures. She is involved in basketball and softball. She has 6 siblings, whom she loves very much. She also loves drawing and painting. When she graduates high school she plans to go to college to get a degree in child care.

Bailey Burnworth, Staff Writer

Sophomore Bailey Burnworth is a second-year journalism student. She is looking forward to getting to know new people and writing challenging stories for the newspaper. Burnworth is involved in managing volleyball, FFA, and Pep Club this school year. In her free time she likes to go outside, spend time with family and friends, and travel. After high school, Burnworth plans to attend a college and study to be a radiologist. She is excited to learn more and have another fun year writing for The Wildcat.

Brylee Brewster, Contributor

Brylee Brewster is a junior and this is her second year on the yearbook staff. She enjoys writing about what’s going on in her school. Brewster is involved in softball, student council, and pep club. She likes to write about sports and what she’s passionate about. After high school Brylee plans on attending a university to play college softball.