Oregon softball returns 9 from 2022 regional team

OREGON — The offseason was a productive one for the Oregon Hawk softball program. The team first took to the field playing in a July Wednesday night league versus teams like Freeport, Orangeville, Forreston and Lena-Winslow. Led by seniors Laila Anderson, Ava Hackman, Liz Mois, Abigail Rogers, Reilee Suter and Imagin Terlikowski, the Hawks had a 6-3-1 record during the summer league. These games included a tie with reigning IHSA third place Forreston and a blowout victory over perennial power Orangeville. The group of seniors have played in big games all throughout their high school careers and will be fantastic leaders for a team full of young and talented players. Hackman and sophomore Emma Schlichtmann led the Hawks pitching this summer, and even freshman Alexi Czochara got in on the action helping pitch the Hawks to a victory over Pearl City. Hackman, Suter and Mois have all received softball all-conference honors in the past. Rogers and Anderson started many games for the Hawks as underclassmen over the past two years making big contributions at the plate, on the bases and in the field. These seniors are definitely hungry to leave their mark! 

Travel softball has been a big part of the Oregon Hawks successful ways and the Oregon Avalanche 18U saw 13 girls from the high school team play this fall. Speedy junior slapper Haleigh Burkhart and power hitting Abi Fletcher showed up big for the summer and fall teams. Returning varsity players Gracen Pitts (junior) and Sarah Stevens (junior) have also seen their skills grow while playing for their 18U Aftershock team. The junior class has paid their dues and area ready to spread their wings in 2023 at the varsity level. Sophomores Ella Dannhorn (Pride), and Emma Schlichtmann (Thunderstix), Kaelin Shaffer (Avalanche), Madi Shaffer (Avalanche), and Abree Barker (Avalanche) all have worked hard to develop their skills over the summer, fall and winter. Last year, the power hitting Dannhorn was named to the all-conference listing as a freshman, a rare feat. 

The Big Northern Conference will be hotly contested with North Boone, Rock Falls, Stillman Valley, and of course Oregon, all having solid programs. 2022 saw North Boone edge Rock Falls, Oregon and Stillman Valley to take the BNC with Oregon and Stillman tying for the conference title in 2021. Oregon also has a strong non-conference schedule playing Newark, Lena-Winslow, Marengo, Orangeville and Pearl City. The players understand playing great competition is the best way to improve and grow one’s game. You can follow all the Oregon Hawks softball action on a user-friendly app called GameChanger. The app runs games live and has the entire schedule loaded for you when you subscribe to the team. You can also come out and support the Hawks softball team at any home game at Oregon Park West. We definitely appreciate all the wonderful fans who come to cheer us on at our home games! The Hawks will be coached by new additions Karly May and Abby Baker along with returning coaches Ryan Dannhorn, Ryan Fletcher, Jeff Hendricks and Nate Rogers.