2 minute read
BRANSTETTER SISTERS SHOCK SOFTBALL TEAM
Sophomores Allie and Paige Branstetter are a Surprise Asset to the Softball team
Staff Writer Emily Griege
Allie and Paige Branstetter are transfer students from Kirkwood High school that will be a big part of the softball team’s success this season. Allie is a well-rounded lefty that excels at catching, pitching, and outfi eld. Her sister Paige primarily plays second base, and both girls are also extremely dangerous on offense.
In their fi rst tournament as Wildcats, the girls batted fi rst and second in the lineup and started on defense. In her fi rst at-bat of the season, leading off for the Wildcats, Allie knocked one over the fence for a home run starting the game off strong. Paige stepped up to the plate after that hoping to go back to back with her sister but unfortunately, her ball was caught at the wall. In the next game of the tournament, Paige hit a grand slam to put the cats up 8-3 against Rosati Cane. To fi nish out the tournament, Paige hit a second home run in a tough loss to Notre Dame 8-7. The Branstetter sisters also came up with some big plays on defense over the weekend including Allie adding a left-handed pitcher to Westminster’s rotation.
These two players could not have come at a better time for the softball team, after losing six seniors last season, including outfi elders Kennedy Pearson and Hope Linam. Allie has defi nitely fi lled the hole in the outfi eld, along with senior Julia Martin. Last season the softball team was a little low on hard-hitting players, but Allie and Paige have added to the Cat’s offense which has defi nitely accelerated the offense.
“The Branstetters will help us big time with our hitting this season, last year I think our biggest struggle was getting hits. They are batting fi rst and second for us right now and they hit three home runs this weekend, and almost got a hit at every at-bat. They are also great fi elders that make plays whenever the ball is hit to them.” said junior shortstop Molly Kate Bugh.
At the beginning of the season when Allie and Paige fi rst arrived, the team was amazed at their performance, but their eligibility was unclear. Thankfully for the Wildcats the Branstetter sisters were able to begin the season on time.
“I really think the Branstetter’s will be a big help to the team this year offensively and defensively. They both bring a lot to the table,” said senior pitcher Gabby Merrifi eld.
The team is very excited to have Allie and Paige on the team and is looking forward to seeing the impact they will make.
