Bennies enter MIAC conference playoffs as No. 2 seed

The CSB softball team recently clinched the No. 2 seed in the MIAC playoffs and are currently on an eight-game win streak. With postseason play beginning this weekend, the Bennies are preparing for their first game Saturday afternoon.

For softball playoffs, teams start with their conference tournament. The winners of each conference earn an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament where they begin the regional tournament. From there, if a team wins the regional, they advance to the super-regionals. At this point there are only 16 teams, and the eight that win their super-regional move on to the NCAA Championship.

Junior Olivia Wallace said the team has focused on the little things heading into the MIAC playoffs.

“We’re tightening up our defense, executing situational plays and staying mentally locked in during every rep. Practices this week have been intentional and high energy. I believe we’re truly peaking both physically and mentally at just the right time,” Wallace said.

The team’s biggest goal for the postseason is to win the MIAC Championship so they can earn the automatic bid to the NCAA Regional tournament. Wallace is very hopeful the team can make it back to regionals like they did last year. Approaching the postseason, Wallace said the team is taking it one game at a time. They are competing with grit and playing their best games.

“I’m excited to see what the postseason brings for our team. We’ve come a long way since the beginning of the season, and I am confident our team has what it takes to win the MIAC Championship,” Wallace said.

Wallace’s favorite moment of the season so far was last weekend’s doubleheader against Bethel. The Bennies traveled to Bethel and swept them on their home field.

“It was a complete team effort, and everyone stepped up and contributed in some way. I think these games really boosted our confidence and momentum heading into playoffs by reminding us of what we’re capable of,” Wallace said.

Junior Olivia Tautges thought the regular season went well for the team.

“We as a team built a solid foundation for the postseason. Different players filled different roles, which built our team chemistry,” Tautges said.

Heading into the MIAC tournament, Tautges said the team’s focus is being consistent, competing every play and using their team chemistry to their advantage.

“Focusing on the little things will help set us apart from opponents,” Tautges said.

Tautges looks forward to the playoffs with her team. She’s excited to prove what this team can accomplish.

“We have a very talented team, and I am ecstatic to see all the talents and roles come together,” Tautges said.

Junior Cat Smetana said the regular season was very competitive and helped the team early on.

“We like to schedule tough nonconference games to start off because they are always learning opportunities and our chance to see what the top looks like, how to get there, and to prove that we compete at that high level,” Smetana said.

The team’s defense, pitching and hitting are all starting to come together right now, which Smetana said allowed the team to win their last eight games.

“Ellie [Peterson] and Wallace have been pitching extremely well, defense has continued to be solid and we’re having consistency throughout our entire lineup,” Smetana said.

As they prepare for the playoffs, the team is trying to play their best softball and be true to who they are.

“We have a lot of the same girls as we did last year when we made regionals, so we know how that opportunity feels and we want to be back, do more and be the first CSB softball team to ever make a super-regional,” Smetana said.

Smetana is looking forward to the postseason because it’s an opportunity to show all the hard work and time the team has put into the season, as well as getting to spend more time with her teammates.

“This year, our energy has been consistent, and we have a team-first mentality. Everyone gets excited for everyone and that makes it super fun. This is one of the closest teams I’ve ever been on. Our seniors have been incredible leaders and such a huge part of our team, so we’re really trying to enjoy the time with them and make a post-season run,” Smetana said.

Head coach Rachael Click also looks forward to the playoffs with this team because they’ve played really well at the end of the season.

“Postseason is all about who’s hot when and who wants it more,” Click said.

The Bennies will play the winner of St. Catherine and St. Olaf at 1:30 p.m., Saturday in Winona.