By Matt Browning
McPherson’s Haely Hagemann has had an accomplished softball career as a Bullpup, but this season brought perhaps one of her fondest memories.
“The highlight of my season so far was definitely winning the 18 inning game against Wamego,” Hagemann said. That game was the craziest game of my softball career and I’ve played hundreds of games. What I loved the most about it was it took the entire team top to bottom to get it done.”
What made that night also particularly memorable was the talent Wamego had on its team.
“Obviously we were facing one of if not the best pitcher in the state so anything we could scrap together was needed to win,” Hagemann said. “I thought the whole team did a great job of battling at the plate and getting something accomplished. I was extremely proud of us that night and that game will stick with me forever.”
Hagemann has a bond with her team that she will undoubtedly miss when she heads to Butler Community College next year. She considers this group of players some of her closest friends.
“The support is unmatched,” Hagemann said. “Everyone on this team wants everyone to succeed no matter where they are in the lineup and I think that is something very rare to find. It’s going to be really hard to walk away from these girls, but I know they will always have my back no matter what.”
Last season, Hagemann found herself struggling with hitting consistently. But she thinks she turned the corner with that this season.
“There were times last season where I would hit great one game then barely get on base the next game,” Hagemann said. “I feel like I have definitely improved on that this year, but there is always something to work on and get better at.”
