Senior captains Mara Willette and Adriana Weigle helped the Edina High fastpitch softball team to sixth place in the state in Class AAAA this spring by teaching younger players the values of the program.
Willette shared pitching duties with sophomores Ella Meyer and Sylvia VanNorman. Weigle was the starting right fielder.
“It’s such a huge deal anytime you make it to the state tournament,” Willette said following a 7-0 loss to Rogers in the first round May 5 at Caswell Park in North Mankato. “This is everyone’s first time here.”
The Hornets last qualified for state in 2018 when Willette and Weigle were seventh-graders. Neither of them dressed for state that year since they were JV players.
Willette got the start in the pitchers’ circle against Rogers and the Hornets allowed two runs in the first inning.
“It was a little bit stressful out there,” Willette said. “As a senior, I just tried to stay positive and give my best effort.”
“It is stressful at first for everybody,” Weigle said. “When I’m out there as a senior, I know I have to lead the team. It means a lot to me to be a role model for the younger girls.”
Meyer and Willette shared pitching duties in the Hornets’ three state tournament games. The Hornets won their middle game 16-2 over Eden Prairie, and then lost to St. Michael-Albertville 10-8 in the consolation finals.
Talking about her co-pitching role with Meyer, Willette said, “I back her up, she backs me up.”
Weigle appreciates the Hornets’ varsity coaching staff, headed by KJ Johnson.
“KJ always wants more,” she said. “We won 18-0. After the game, he wanted 20 runs.”
When the Hornets trail in a game, the look to enthusiastic assistant Logan Ahlness. “Logan will always be there and never lets us give up,” Willette said.
The third coach on varsity, Andrew Olive, is the father of Edina’s all-time great, Katy Olive.
Edina’s win over Eden Prairie at state was a hallmark win for the program - the Hornets’ first state win since 1979 - when they finished second at state.
“The main thing at the end of the day is it’s just a game,” Weigle said. “Our approach to the season was We Not Me.”
Coach Johnson was pleased that everyone on the team accepted roles and put the team first.
Other than the win over Eden Prairie at state, Edina’s season highlight was ending Hopkins’ three-year reign as the Section 6AAAA champion. The Royals placed fourth behind Edina, Armstrong and Wayzata.
“This year, Armstrong was mainly a hitting team,” Weigle said. “Our bats were there the whole time.”
In a three-game series against the Falcons at the end of sectionals, Edina won 6-5 and lost 4-2 before taking the deciding game 6-4.
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