MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ)- The 2023 spring swing invite had its first day of games today at the superior dome. 27 women’s softball teams from across The UP and Northern Wisconsin are playing 40 games in this weekend’s invite.
One team, the Wittenberg-Birnamwood Chargers, played their first games of the season this afternoon. The Chargers traveled from central Wisconsin to play UP teams they don’t usually get to play Kiara Deruchowski and Lauren Bessette are both Seniors on the team. They are both getting ready for the first invitational of their last High School Softball season.
“They actually help a lot,” Deruchowski said, “it gets everyone in the momentum to start the season off right. It gives everyone a chance to understand each other’s roles and gets everyone ready for the actual season.”
Joe Ladika is the teams new head coach. He and the athletes have spent the past two weeks practicing to kick off the season this weekend.
“I’m looking forward to just watching the girls play.” Says Ladika, “We’ve been in the gym for the last two weeks with all the snow and the weather. I want to see how they do in a real game and on the field.”
“it’s very bitter sweet.” Bessette said about her last season with The WB Chargers, “I’m very excited about this season and I’m ready to play but I’m very sad that it’s my last season. I won’t be playing softball when I go to college so it’s kind of heartbreaking but I’m excited to spend it with these girls on this team for my last year.”
The WB Chargers played Negaunee, Marquette, and Calumet today, and are getting ready for their games against Hurley and Escanaba tomorrow morning
The spring swing games will continue this Saturday and Sunday. Information about the master schedule, special games, and merchandise are available here.
