Prep softball preview: Wasilla boasts veteran depth; Colony, Palmer sport young squads

WASILLA — After making program history last season, the Wasilla Warriors softball team is enjoying a newfound sense of excitement.

In 2015, Wasilla earned its first softball region title in school history and finished fourth in the state tournament. The results have elevated the bar for the program, escalating interest in addition to future goals.

“A little bit of success is really boosting the program,” Warriors head coach Tyler Gilligan said recently.

Recent success has boosted interest. The program drew 35 players for spring tryouts, 10 better than last year and a dozen more than 2014.

“It’s making it feel like a true program at Wasilla High,” Gilligan said.

With the veterans in the program, the Warriors aim to build on what was established in 2015. The Warriors return a core of about a half-dozen seniors, many of whom anchor key positions. Pitcher Alyssa Simmons, catcher Shelby Wallis and centerfielder Katherine Johnson represent the heart of the team, right down the middle of the field. Senior second baseman Haley Jenkins, senior third baseman Hannah Zwolinski and senior utility player Deborah Polk are also key pieces.

Gilligan also expects good things from a pair of underclassmen, shortstop Jewel Fleckenstein and utility player Dani Gilbert.

“I think we’re going to do really well,” Gilligan said.

Compared to his 2015 squad, Gilligan said the 2016 group, overall, is faster and more athletic. Gilligan hopes the Warriors can take advantage of their team speed on the base paths.

“We’re going to be a lot more aggressive baserunners,” Gilligan said.

Gilligan said Wasilla’s team goals are very specific.

“Last year was the first region title Wasilla ever had. Our goal is to get a second one,” Gilligan said.

The Warriors also hope to improve on their fourth-place finish in the state tournament.

Colony Knights

While Wasilla boasts a veteran group, the Colony Knights are fielding a young squad in 2016. Of the 23 players in the program, 19 are underclassmen.

“Though we are a young team, every one has their own strengths, whether it’s power hitting, fielding, running, etc. When it comes all together, the team is great,” Colony head coach Tamara Finley said by email.

Finley said camaraderie has been a strength overall for the Knights, and Colony has felt a boost by the talent of the freshman class.

Junior catcher Tesa Finley is the anchor of the Knights varsity squad. Finley is part of a group of key returners that also includes pitcher Alyz Marquez and shortstop Lexie Graham. Danyel Finley is among at least three freshmen expected to be key contributors to the lineup.

“This team is young, but they have great spirit, attitude, lots of energy and are willing to work hard,” Finley said of the Knights.

Palmer Moose

Like Colony, Palmer also sports a young squad this season. Of the 18 girls currently in the Moose program, only three are seniors.

“We’re slowly building a program,” Palmer first-year head coach Dave Sutton said.

Senior pitcher and first baseman Peyton Murphy and senior catcher Holly Corbin are among the leaders on the Palmer squad, so far, Sutton said. The Moose also have a group of young talent that includes sophomore first baseman Lexi Barfield and sophomore shortstop Jenna Sutton. Junior right fielder Alysha Thomas is also expected to be key in the field and the batting order.

“We don’t have a lot of kids in our program. They have to work pretty hard,” Sutton said.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman sports editor Jeremiah Bartz at sports@frontiersman.com.