By Dennis Bowling
Last spring, Beecher’s Emma Tiltges, who is one of the best catchers in area girl softball circles, helped guide the Bobcats to an outstanding second place finish in the Class 1A IHSA State Tournament. Currently, Tiltges, a senior and an exceptional volleyball outside hitter-libero, is hoping the Bobcats could have some more post season magic and even win a regional title.
“We all play well together and have great teamwork,” she said on August 16. “We know each other very well. I also try to be a good leader on the court and step up when needed.”
Tiltges is surrounded by some very good returning players from last year’s club, which finished with a 23-14 overall mark, while winning a regional crown. This year’s team is led by senior outside hitter Katie Jones, junior middle hitter Evelyn Jablonski, and sophomore outside hitters Emily Avelar and Elena Kvasnicka.
“It will be nice for Katie and I to be seniors together on the team,” Tiltges said. “She brings energy to our team and is very reliable, plus she can get the clutch hit. Emily is just an amazing player, and her hits are like no other. She is very impressive for her age and has put in the time to be a very good hitter. Elena also is an accurate hitter and has a high vertical.”
The Bobcat coaching staff includes Coach Jon Herron, who is replacing Kristin Payne, who stepped down, along with Assistant Coach Jaida Schroeder.
Although Herron, when asked, is a bit nervous about coaching the Bobcats, he commented by saying: “Absolutely. We will help them reach their potential. This is an established group of players.”
“Emma, our senior leader, communicates well with her teammates,” he said. “Katie is a great passer, an excellent hitter, and has very good floor presence. Emily is fast and a dynamic hitter, who always is at the right spot, at the right time. Evelyn is gaining confidence, plus is an aggressive hitter, while Elena also is a big hitter for us, plus can pass the ball very well.”
Coach Herron will run a 6-2 offense that also will feature sophomore Ava Pattenaude and freshman Mallory Berry.
Commenting, he said: “Ava has done some summer training and is a great athlete. She is a hard worker, plus has great hands. Mallory makes good decisions with the ball and is a very good server, too.”
Tiltges feels Berry and Pattenaude should do well with the varsity team and said: “Mallory will fit in very well with our varsity players. She knows the game, is a smart player, and will do well. Ava also can get to the ball.”