Despite the phenomenal season the MCHS softball team had last year, the 2019 team is determined to take it one step further.  

The team was regional and sectional champions in 2018. However, the girls lost to Rock Island in super sectionals, a team that later went on to win state.

Social studies teacher Mark Brown has been coaching softball for 13 years and varsity coach for nine. Brown was selected as Sectional Coach of the Year for class 4A by Illinois Coach Association for softball, the earlier this month.

“My name was on the plaque, but it was a team award. It was a reflection of all the hard work from the athletes,” Brown said.

With having a good season last year, Brown is only expecting to have the same results and hopefully more.

“Our goal this year is to win conference, it’s been a few years since we’ve won it. So I know the returning girls have that as a top goal,” Brown said. “Of course we also want to make it to state, we came close last year and we played great teams and we would like to go further this season.”

Junior Meaghan Sitar’s favorite thing about being part of the team is the girls.

“We are like a big family and we always make sure everyone is doing their best,” Sitar said.

For most sports, making it to state is a goal for almost everyone.

“Last year we came so close and I want to be more than close this season, I (and the team) want the title,” junior Sammy Norman said.

The opening game of the season will be held Wednesday, March 20 at Ottawa High School.