Promising Spring for Mustangs Softball

Photo courtesy of Siri Benrud Photography

By Chad Zutter, Sports Reporter

The Mustangs softball team has the potential to compete for a Big Rivers Conference title and make a deep playoff run on the diamond this spring. With 11 players returning from last year's varsity roster that finished fourth with an 8-6 BRC record and 11-9 overall, Menomonie looks to make a push at a conference championship. The last time Menomonie softball obtained a BRC title was 1998 when they shared it with Eau Claire Memorial. 

Head coach Brittany Aguado, in her second year, said, “We have the most potential and talent of any Menomonie softball team in the past 10 years from top to bottom in our program.”

A strong defense, especially with speed in the outfield, poses one of many strengths of this year's softball squad. Add some great hitters like Amanda Holzhueter, a 2024 All-BRC 1st team selection, who led the team in hitting (.394 Avg.) homeruns (4), runs batted in (22), hits (26) and doubles (6) and Olivia Sample, a 2024 All-BRC 2nd team selection and 2023 All-BRC 1st team, to another strength of this squad.  

As a team, the Mustangs compiled a .282 batting average and averaged over six runs per game. Other offensive contributors include Adison Hasse, Megan McMahon, Brooklyn Sterry, Ellie Fisher, Jaidyn Stouff, Reese Barfknecht, Jordan Ohman, Maci Marlett, and Sierra Auth. A new addition, senior Keiara Daniel, is looking to contribute when called upon. 

Aguado commented, “Our girls have been working hard in the offseason and have their eyes set on a successful season with a deep playoff run.”

Ace on the mound, senior Maci Marlett, logged 105 innings on the bump with a 3.60 ERA, 59 strikeouts and a 5-4 overall record in 2024. Another, senior Sierra Auth, is expected to fill the remaining innings as she logged 36 innings and posted a 4.47 ERA a season ago. 

When asked about BRC competition Aguado said the following, “The BRC will be strong, with Rice Lake looking good and Chippewa Falls a threat. There are many great returning players and teams in the BRC but we are looking to finish towards the top.” 

The Mustangs open their season in the Hodag Dome on March 28 at 3 pm. Notable schedule dates include parents night on May 6th, youth night on May 15th and senior night on May 20th with a 7 pm start under the lights. 

Aguado will be assisted by Katie Linahon and Joe LaBuda, the three-decade-plus retired football coach at Menomonie High School.