Bluejays look to defend NLC

The Three Lakes-Phelps softball team enters 2026 as the defending Northern Lakes Conference champions. The team returns a strong core of players this season, and optimism is in the air that the team can once again compete not only in the conference but in the state.

The Bluejays were also one game away from making an appearance in Madison as they advanced to the sectional final game last season.

A fresh change behind the bench will have former assistant coach Dan Scheppele, who coached behind Jerry Adamovich, as the head coach for the upcoming season.

“As returning conference champions, we know that we have a target on our backs this season. Our team knows the challenges that face us within our conference, and we don’t take that lightly. We understand every team will bring their best against us, and we are focused on showing up ready, playing disciplined and earning every win,” said Scheppele. “I am hopeful that with the commitment this team has, we can compete for and try to win another conference championship.”

With the coaching change, Scheppele will have a nice group of returning players to help battle losing four of the top six hitters from last year, which included three seniors. Scheppele said he sees a strong team so far in early-season practices.

“I believe we have a very strong and competitive team overall. Losing three seniors can make it difficult, but winning the conference and making it to the sectional final last season really gave this group confidence and showed our returning players what it takes to get back to that level,” he stated.

The Jays lost a combined 87 hits on offense from last year, but the coaching staff said there is optimism that they should have a similar offensive output to last year. The team batting average was .380 in 2025, and scored 287 runs and registered 258 hits.

“We did lose three great hitters from a year ago, but so far this season, all of the girls have shown improvement in their overall skills on offense. We are fortunate to have gained a great freshman group this season, and I believe they will contribute to the team in many ways,” said Scheppele. “From what I am seeing so far with this group, it would not surprise me to see the same or better offensive output from a year ago.”

Three Lakes-Phelps might be without senior shortstop Haylee Barnekow, who suffered a knee injury early in the basketball season this winter.

“Losing our senior shortstop to a knee injury this winter was very unfortunate, but we are hoping that she will be able to return soon and help lead our program like she did last year,” explained Scheppele.

On offense, sophomore Malia Szews is the top returning hitter for the Jays. She led the team with 37 hits a season ago. That included 14 doubles and one triple. She hit .500 in 74 plate appearances.

Senior Kassidy Williams had 26 hits a year ago. She had eight doubles and two triples and batted .382 in 68 at-bats. Fellow senior Kylee Wilson had 23 hits, with 21 being singles. She went to the plate 64 times and had a .354 average.
Bella Kowalkowski also added 17 hits and a .395 batting average as a freshman last season.

“We have five returning All-Conference award winners from last season. Haylee, Kassidy, Bella, and our two prominent pitchers, Kylee and Malia. Those five were a big reason why we had a successful season last year,” noted Scheppele. “They really have grown as leaders and continue to set strong examples for the rest of the team. We also have a number of athletes who are ready to step into bigger roles this season, like Ashlyn Wolosek, Callie Wilson, Kayla Koepp, and Ava Muetlein. Each one of these athletes will have a significant part in our team’s success this season.”

Pitching was a question mark last season for Three Lakes-Phelps, but the experience gained in the circle will only help the team this year.

Wilson posted a record of 10-3 and led the team with 68 innings pitched. She allowed 58 hits, struck out 62 batters, and had a 3.40 ERA. Szews pitched to a record of 5-2 with 36 innings as a freshman. She allowed 27 hits and struck out 38 batters.

“Kylee stepped up and had a strong year, finishing with 10 wins. Malia also gained valuable experience as a freshman, pitching in seven games and contributing in a big way for us,” said Scheppele. “Now, with Kylee as a senior and Malia as a sophomore, having both of them gives us a nice balance and depth in our pitching staff.”

The Bluejays kick off the season next Friday, April 10, at Marion High School. A doubleheader against Crivitz that was scheduled for this coming Thursday, April 2, was postponed to a later date.