When reviewing Norwalk’s season-long run to the State Softball Tournament, individual statistics might not jump off the page compared to some teams in the field.
To really appreciate this group of Warriors, one must look beyond the numbers and examine what’s happening between the lines on a day-to-day basis. Elements such as team chemistry, mental toughness and drive have all helped carry Norwalk to its 29-7 record and number four ranking in Class 4A.
But that’s not to say the Warriors don’t have great players or stats as they prepare for Monday’s first round state tourney game vs. fifth-ranked Carlisle in Fort Dodge. The team’s greatest strength might be its balance and depth up and down the lineup and different heroes emerging on any given night.
Junior ace pitcher Zadie Wadle, who is 18-4 with a 1.54 ERA, ranks third in Class 4A with 205 strikeouts in 127 innings and has held opponents to a .170 batting average. Sophomores Addi Downe and Olivia Dougherty have both been great in the circle as well, combining to pitch nearly 100 innings.
Perhaps the biggest improvement from last year’s 23-16 Norwalk squad has been in the power department. In 2021, the Warriors hit just two home runs as a team. This season, six different players have at least two homers and the team has 16 bombs.
First-year head coach Beau Livingston tells KNIA Sports that his players’ hard off-season work in the weight room has led to the big surge in the long ball.
“Our kids have absolutely dedicated themselves to each other and to this program,” he said, “and it started in October. We really thought we needed to get stronger, and they have done that. They hit three home runs in the last two years combined, and I think (Nyah Hulbert’s) home run tonight was number (16).”
The Warriors are batting .309 as a team, led by freshman Nyah Hulbert’s impressive .483 mark. The leadoff batter also paces Norwalk with 32 runs scored. Senior Kady Vandemark is batting .393 and sophomore Jaylynn Brandt sports a .337 average with 31 runs scored, six doubles and 20 RBI. Wadle is a .302 hitter, junior Kaylee Cary has tallied a team-best 35 RBI and sophomore catcher Lauren Black leads the way with four home runs to go with 22 driven in.
The Warriors have stolen 62 bases in 74 attempts, led by Hulbert with 18 and Savannah Welch’s 13.
Monday’s 3:30 p.m. state quarterfinal game will be streamed live on kniakrls.com (KNIA3) from Rogers Sports Complex.