Wakulla softball on a mission to return to state title game, throw combined no-hitter in home opener
A season removed from reaching the program's first state title game, Wakulla softball is on a mission.
Returning nearly its entire roster from last year's state runner-up team, the War Eagles (2-0) began the mission of getting back to the 4A state title game Thursday night, beating Madison County 5-0, and extending its now two-season home unbeaten streak to 12 games.
Playing only its second game since falling in the 4A State title game to Lake Wales, Wakulla pitcher Charley Bulter said the title game loss is fueling the team's motivation this season.
"That was a big heartbreak for us, but this year, it just makes us want to be back in the state championship," Butler said. "So that makes us push even harder every single game and at every practice. We make sure we're pushing on every play to get that job done."
Throwing a combined no-hitter against the visiting Cowgirls (1-1), Butler struck out 15 batters in six innings before handing the ball over to sophomore Aislin Hunter, who came in to seal the victory. Combined the two pitchers walked four batters, the only base runners for Madison County.
War Eagles head coach Sally Wheeler said Butler's near-perfect performance stems from her work ethic and commitment to winning at a high level, and the no-hitter sets the tone for Wakulla this season.
"She works very, very hard," Wheeler said on Butler. "She's the kid that throws every single day. There are no days off. But she knows that she's got to improve on things, so she's not satisfied.
She's a leader out here. Everything we do during practices, any type of competition, even if it's running, she's one of the most competitive kids we have in all areas."
Like Butler, Wheeler acknowledges that the War Eagles' goal is to get back to the state championship, but she wants her team to maintain its focus and take things one moment at a time.
"We talk about it because we have to talk about it and you have to speak it into existence and we know it's on the radar," Wheeler said. "The conversations are happening, but they're staying within themselves and they understand that we're still going one game at a time."
Maintaining the selfless standard
Wakulla is one of the most experienced teams in the Big Bend, despite having a roster that features zero seniors.
The War Eagles added four freshmen to its roster this season, and with the bar set high by last year's team, players like Butler are stepping up to help the young players transition comfortably.
"It's definitely a little scary coming from middle school to here, especially being on our team. We are very competitive," Butler said. "So we help them get up to the standards we have and we try to push them every day to be better."
Having a roster that featured seven sophomores last season, the now juniors have two years of experience on the high school diamond and Wheeler said they have embraced a new role after being young stars as underclassmen.
"The juniors now have two years under their belt and they're stepping into that leadership role, where they're bringing the younger players along a little bit faster. And it's been awesome," Wheeler said. "They are excited, they're on a mission. Maturity-wise, they've grown a lot, all of them. So anytime that your players are growing their softball IQ and maturity, it's exciting because things start coming together a little bit faster."
Wheeler said her squad is holding each other accountable and her veterans continue to elevate the team's spirits.
Despite adding some new faces, Wheeler said the squad feels like it did last year, a group focused on the team's goal of winning a state title, rather than individual achievement. Keeping that mindset throughout the season will be crucial for the War Eagles' chances at returning to the title game.
"We've added such talent, and we've returned so much talent, and have such a great group of kids," Wheeler said. "The big part is just making sure that everyone is being selfless, making sure that everyone's working hard every single day and holding kids accountable."
Liam Rooney covers preps sports for the Tallahassee Democrat. Contact him via email at LRooney@gannett.com or on Twitter @__liamrooney
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Wakulla's journey to returning to the state title starts with no-hitter
