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Varsity 541 NEWS NOW Customers thwart attempted robbery at Medford convenience store ... Oregon's economy roaring at 'full throttle,' state economists say ... Jeld-Wen files to go public with stock offering ... Customers thwart attempted robbery at Medford convenience store ... Oregon's economy roaring at 'full throttle,' state economists say ... Jeld-Wen files to go public with stock offering ... PREP NOTEBOOK Challengers make it back on top in softball Comment By Kris Henry Mail Tribune Follow @@Kris_Henry MailTribune.com By Kris Henry Mail Tribune Follow @@Kris_Henry Posted May. 16, 2016 at 7:18 PM Updated May 16, 2016 at 11:27 PM By Kris Henry Mail Tribune Follow @@Kris_Henry Posted May. 16, 2016 at 7:18 PM Updated May 16, 2016 at 11:27 PM » Social News Winning the Southern Cascade League title seemed like a pretty bold goal this spring considering the recent history of the Cascade Christian softball program. The Challengers had not enjoyed a winning season since 2011, when they went 13-12 overall. In 2014, Cascade Christian managed only two wins in 18 contests and last season was only slightly better at 6-11 overall. Still, the girls were determined to turn the corner in 2016 and, with a split against Rogue River on May 7, the Challengers accomplished their goal in claiming the program’s first league championship since 2002. “It was kind of interesting how it came down to that last game at Rogue River with both of us having just one loss (in SCL play),” said Cascade Christian head coach Wally Nye on Monday. “Here we are in the top of the seventh inning in a 3-3 game and we score three runs to win that championship. That was a pretty sweet memory for all of us.” “I was telling them (in the seventh), you have a chance to win this and that’s what your goal is,” added Nye, “and they came up with four clutch hits to score those three runs and I was just so happy for them.” It was Nye’s love for the Cascade Christian softball program that drew him back to the dugout last year for his third run with the Challengers. In all, Nye is in his 18th season coaching softball at Cascade Christian, where he began in 1994. “I wanted to see the team keep going,” Nye said of what brought him out of a second retirement from the program. “I’ve put quite a bit of effort into it over the years and it was going downhill a little. There was some talk that they were basically giving it up and just needed somebody to take over again, and I guess I just couldn’t stay away.” Low participation numbers put the program in question in recent years, with only 12 players on last year’s roster for Nye’s return. This year, that number is up to 21, and the Challengers remarkably were also able to field a junior varsity team. With the added numbers have also come added victories and a new attitude on campus regarding the program. Cascade Christian stands 16-4 overall with nonconference games against Prospect (15-6) and Bonanza (16-5) remaining this week before the Challengers make their return to the state playoffs on May 25 for the first time since 2013. “I think the kids would say they’re having fun and enjoying playing,” Nye said of this year’s cast. “Softball is fun, it really is. It should be made so it is fun to play.” Key to the team’s resurgence this year is the dynamic created by sophomore pitcher Shaylee Ledesma and senior catcher Kelsey Bogue. They were batterymates last season but have taken it up a notch this year for a Challengers team that has limited its runs allowed to 91 against 227 runs scored. “They’ve become a tangent,” said Nye. “They think together out there and work together beautifully ... it really is quite a delight to see them work together.” Ledesma is 16-4 inside the circle with a 2.00 ERA and a key figure at the plate, batting .485 with 13 doubles, one home run and 29 RBIs to go with a team-high 37 runs scored. Bogue, who moved to catcher last year, is the team’s top hitter with a .525 batting average and 16 extra-base hits (11 doubles, three triples, two homers) to go with 41 RBIs and 30 runs. While Bogue and Ledesma gain most of the recognition due to their pivotal roles, Nye said the Challengers are far from just a 1-2 punch this season. “They’ve turned into a very good hitting team from 1-9 so it’s fun to watch that,” said the coach. Senior shortstop Allison McMahon (.429, 14 RBIs), sophomore outfielder Allison Winter (.452, 22 RBIs), freshman first baseman Mallory Meilicke (.387, 26 RBIs), junior utility player Mariah Miller (.408, 12 RBIs), sophomore second baseman Baylee Plankenhorn (.250, 36 runs) and sophomore outfielder Abby Miller (.271, 12 RBIs) have each had breakout seasons. Nye said senior third baseman Marli Martin and senior right fielder Tiani Alvarez have also played a big role in solidifying the lineup. He also credited his assistant coaches Bob Bogue, Herb Miller and Morgan Mapes for the team’s quick turnaround. “Those guys have been phenomenal, especially Bob Bogue who has been my right-hand man the last two years,” said Nye. “We’ve also had great support from all of our parents, especially Lori Miller, who has done a lot of things with fundraising and other things to make it easier on us coaches.” Three of Cascade Christian’s four losses have come within the last two weeks but that hasn’t deterred Nye, whose team just wrapped up a string of eight straight road contests. “We’ve lost a few lately but we’ve been on the road entirely and that’s been good for us because we’re not ranked real high in the state so we’re going to have to be on the road for the playoffs,” said Nye, whose team is No. 13 in the Class 3A power rankings for an eventual 16-team state playoff bracket. “It’s getting the thought in our minds that they can win on the road. I think we’re all looking forward to getting a second shot at another goal. We made our first goal when we won the league and now our goal is to win that first game at state.” Despite carrying a good history of advancing to the state playoffs, Cascade Christian’s last state playoff win came in 1995 at the 2A/1A level when the Challengers beat Oakridge in the quarterfinals, 13-3. “Our first thought needs to be winning that first game because that’s something we haven’t done in many years,” said Nye. “This is a group of girls I really believe can do it.” Reach reporter Kris Henry at 541-776-4488, [email protected], www.facebook.com/krishenryMT or www.twitter.com/Kris_Henry By Kris Henry Mail Tribune Follow @@Kris_Henry MailTribune.com By Kris Henry Mail Tribune Follow @@Kris_Henry Posted May. 16, 2016 at 7:18 PM Updated May 16, 2016 at 11:27 PM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction Schedules & Events --> Recent Scores --> Prep Notebook Kris Henry Challengers make it back on top in softball Winning the Southern Cascade League title seemed like a pretty bold goal this spring considering the recent history of the Cascade Christian... 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