By Matt Browning

The Ell-Saline softball team was chosen as the Visit Wichita Team of the Month for June. The Cardinals swept Remington on April 16 and Hutchinson Trinity on April 23.

“Even though we did not have a season last year, the year before we had a young team and they played well together,” Ell-Saline coach Kris Bell said. “I did believe that the team we had this year would surprise a lot of teams this year. The girls play really well together.”

Ell-Saline’s roster is filled with upperclassmen, as there are three seniors and five juniors who contribute, but there are also some younger players who have emerged for the Cardinals.

“We have a couple of freshmen and sophomores that also play some varsity ball this year as well,” Bell said. “The underclassmen have really challenged the upperclassmen to become better if they want to earn their spots on the field. We have a very competitive group of girls this year.”

With the returning talent, as well as the young talent stepping up, Ell-Saline believes it can be a team to be reckoned with in the postseason.

“The girls set their own goals this year, as well as team goals,” Bell said. “One of the team goals for these girls was to go to state. I believe in these girls and their goals. They have already proved me wrong on several. These girls love the game and they are such a family.”