Mustangs ready to take next step in 2023

BY JOSH YODER Sports reporter jyoder@lewistownsentinel.com

MIDDLEBURG — MiddWest looks to keep improving after nearly reaching .500 with an 9-11 record last season. Pete Voss returns at the helm of the program and is assisted by Alisha Kurtz, Brady Wilt and Tabitha Spriggle.

“We are very excited to get the season started,” Voss said.

After a near .500 season, Midd-West feels confident coming into the season and has high expectations for the team. Voss feels that the Mustangs will be a major player throughout the season.

“I see a team that is poised and ready to take that next step,” Voss explained. “We are changing the culture of Midd-West softball and we have some players who have a number of players who have been a part of that change. When we step out on that field, we expect to win. I think the girls are starting to buy into that.”

Part of the reason why the Mustangs are coming in with high expectations is because of plenty of returning talent from a season ago and many of which filled nearly every position on the field including an all-state player.

“We have a number of returning players,” Voss said. “That includes returning pitchers Miley Beachel and Lorna Oldt and catcher Mckennin Voss. Returning All-State player Sarah Shupp, infielder Storm Wilt and Rachel Keister also return. Outfielders Teagan Schreffler and Kaitlyn Ewing are helping the program, too.”

Voss also feels that the team itself is well bal- anced in multiple areas of the game and sees it as the Mustangs’ biggest strength.

“Our hitting and defense are a strength,” Voss noted.

Pitching has been a concern for Midd-West. However, Voss isn’t too worried about it due to the fact that he has not one but two different pitchers he can rely on in Beachel and Oldt. They can carry the load and be very effec- tive in each game.

“I think all coaches worry about pitching,” Voss said. “But I think Miley Beachel and Lorna Oldt did a great job there last year and I am looking for things from them this year in the pitching circle.”

Despite having high expectations for the new year, Voss believes that the PHAC will be no cake walk and warns his team not to underestimate any opponent that Midd-West will face each and every game.

“The PHAC is always a tough league to play in,” Voss said. “Every game we will need to be dialed in and focused.”

For Midd-West the goal is simple. It is postseason or bust for the Mustangs and they believe that they will be able to get the job done after years of just barely missing out of playoff contention.

“We want to make districts,” Voss said. “We have been so very close the last couple of years.”

Voss also wants to see his team come out every day with confidence against every single opponent and at every single practice.

“We want them to play with confidence and find a way to win even when they may not have their best stuff that day.”