Badger softball up to bat, primed for season

Badger softball has had unprecedented growth over the past three seasons, from being a one-team program in 2021, to over 30 girls coming out to play the following years.

Such growth comes with both blessings and struggles, especially with some players initially unfamiliar with the sport. The past two seasons have caused the program to focus on the fundamentals of the game, teaching players how to bat smartly and fostering partnerships between pitchers and catchers. 

This season, 21 girls have come out to play ball, allowing the program to continue having two teams. 

Bonners Ferry second-year head coach Cynthia Sumpter believes this will be the year the team's hard work will come to fruition. 

In the summer of 2022, Badger softball formed a summer league, gaining knowledge and experience for the team they needed, Sumpter said.

A direct result of that summer was players sliding into base, understanding different hits, and stealing bases in the regular 2023 season, she said.

“They learned the mentality of the game,” she said. 

Looking back on the 2023 season, Sumpter said she was proud of the improvement in the girls. Against Timberlake in Game 2 of districts, the Badgers only had three fielding errors, while prior in the season the Badgers fell to Timberlake 30-4 in five innings, they finished 0-10. It was, Sumpter said, a drastic improvement and just one of the things that makes her proud of the team.

“We’re competing now, not just playing,” she said at the end of the 2023 season “I’m excited for next year. We now have the courage to say we are a decent team.”

Back for her second season as head coach, Sumpter said the 2023 season was a “filler year” as she was getting to know players and how to push them, this season she expects will be more dynamic. 

“This year has excitement as we can play with the competition,” Sumpter said. “I’m excited to see where we go this year.”

Badger softball players participated in a summer league, winning their first game 30-10 over Priest River. Unfortunately, the rest of the season was canceled as competing teams lost players to The North 16U and 14U teams out of Sandpoint.

Softball has had open gyms throughout the year, allowing time for pitchers and catchers to practice, as well as other players. 

The Badgers opened their season at Orofino for a triple-header.

    (left) Bonners Ferry head softball coach Cynthia Sumpter instructs softball player through a play.