While the Warrenton softball team’s season debut at the Union Tournament was not ideal, it was also not indicative of how the rest of the season will unfold. 

“By no means does the opening tournament determine the future of the season,” Coach Chad Berrey said after going winless in four games at the tournament held Friday and Saturday. 

Berrey pointed to the 2021 season as a perfect example, where his team had also lost their first four games but bounced back to win a district championship that same year. 

“We just have to make sure that we’re using our strengths and positives to propel us to better success and results the next day,” Berrey said.

Warrenton is back in action this Thursday in its home opener against Holt. Game time is scheduled for 4:15 p.m. 

Berrey was quick to emphasize the pure talent of his squad. 

“It’s plain to see that these girls can flat out play. They’re on varsity for a reason. They play in the summer, they play all year round, we train all year round, so they deserve to be here – we just didn’t bring our A game,” Berrey said. 

The Warriors lost to Rolla (11-6), Union (13-4), St. Elizabeth (14-0) and Jefferson City (11-3). Despite the rough start, the weekend offered valuable insights. 

“When you get to see them face live pitching from somebody they don’t see everyday, it really exposes our deficiencies in our swings,” Berrey said. 

With a demanding schedule limiting practice time, Berrey said the team will be taking a longer approach to pregame routines moving forward. 

“We’ll be practicing a lot before the game and we’re going to be taking a longer pregame, so we can stay on top of our game and make sure we’re playing the best softball by postseason,” Berrey said. 

There were also many positives to take away, including the performance of senior Makayla Witthaus, who crushed two home runs. 

“I don’t think that she had a negative inning or a negative second this weekend. She was incredible and it’s great to see her flourish in her senior year,” Berrey said. 

Witthaus also stepped up as a leader when the team needed her most.

“She understands that no matter good, bad, pretty, ugly she’s got to perform no matter what and that says a lot about her maturity,” Berrey said. “Her game has grown, but her as an individual – her personality, character and her ability level – has skyrocketed.” 

Senior Audrey Lanzone was another key contributor. Although she ran into some tough luck at the plate, Berrey is excited to see her compete the rest of the season. 

“If she keeps hitting like she does, she’s going to see her batting average skyrocket. Her balls are going to start finding green and we’re all going to be happy with runners on the bases,” Berrey said. “I’m really happy with what I’m seeing with my one through four batters and that’s what you want at the top of your lineup.” 

Freshman Ali Neidlinger also made an impressive varsity debut. 

“She threw fantastic all weekend. With her being a freshman and coming off a very busy select season, it’s really good to see the stamina that she’s bringing in,” Berrey said. 

Another freshman who earned praise was Brook Baxter for her performance in the outfield.

“She made some good plays and they don’t always show up in the stat book, but she’s cutting the balls off, sprinting the gaps and slowing down the runners,” Berrey said. 

As the season goes on, Berrey will look to his team to make those in-game adjustments. 

“We have to learn from our mistakes on the fly and the girls have to have the grit and resilience to say that was a bad game and let’s have a better game,” Berrey said.