Although the team has struggled lately, varsity softball still has had a strong season. Going in the final game the record is 15-8 going into the final week of the regular season.

After a 1-2 start at the Chesterfield tournament to open the season, the girls won 10 straight games, giving them the boost of confidence they needed. After their 10-game winning streak OHS was ranked third in St. Louis. They beat Marquette, the reigning state champions, 6-5 on Sept. 6.

Pitchers Makayla Slavik (12) and Calynn Gicante (11) both contributed to the big win over Marquette.

“Calynn and I call ourselves the dynamic duo,” Slavik said. “So when we played Marquette, I was in the circle first balls to walls, giving my all, and then (Coach) Sturm and I talked and we wanted to switch up the momentum, so Calynn got into the circle and we ended up taking the dub.”

The varsity team welcomed seven new underclassmen to the squad, including starting players Abby Alonzo (10) and Carlie Huelsing (9). Two returning players — Ella Strickland (10), and Amanda FitzWilliam (11) — are proving their batting skills are what helps the team succeed. Both are batting above .400.

“We’re working on some things there,” Coach Rich Sturm said, “and we gotta be able to turn the corner there in order to be successful in districts, but we feel really good about it.”

OHS will begin districts the week of Oct. 8 at Lindbergh High School. Other schools in the district tournament include Cor Jesu, Fox, Mehlville, and Lindbergh.