The schedule has done Highland softball no favors.

The Huskies were riding high with a sparkling 14-2 record at June’s midpoint. Since then, Highland has played just five games with four postponements. Of the five completed games, the Huskies lost four of them.

“Well, we took a couple hits,” Highland Coach Carrie Wieland said. “And I think what they figured out was we have to stay together. We need team unity. We need the team to support each other. I think they have done a really good job with that. They are not getting down or upset with anybody. They are playing together and it has really been important for us.”

Highland (15-6, 9-4 Southeast Iowa Super Conference) seems to be a good bet to right its ship and return to its customary winning ways for no other reason than its unity. Wieland clearly has her finger on the pulse of her girls, because junior pitcher Grace Batcheller echoed those same sentiments.

“I think we are bonding super well,” Batcheller said. “We have not had any conflicts or anything on the team this whole year and it is crazy because there is always something that could go south and someone gets mad because we’re all girls. This year has been awesome with this team and everyone has gotten along so far. Everyone is supporting each other.” 

Like last season, Batcheller and sophomore Jessica Kraus have formed a potent, effective tandem in the pitching circle. With 11 victories, Batcheller ranks second in the SEISC North Division, is tops in fewest walks allowed (9) and is fourth in both hits allowed (86) and strikeouts (85).

Kraus has been equally dominant in half the number of innings, posting a 4-1 record with a 1.75 earned run average while walking just five batters and striking out 46.

“We are really close,” Batcheller said. “We have the same pitches, so we kind of bond in that aspect. ... We are always warming up together, so we get along really well. When one of us has a bad night or is not doing too well, we are always the first one to pump each other up and get each other’s head back in it.”

Beginning Monday, Highland will close out the regular season with a stretch of six games over five consecutive days. For anyone who suggests a lack of off days would be a Highland hindrance, guess again. Wieland and her girls seemingly welcome the grind. Weather is the only impediment.

“We have always practiced every day since I have been coaching,” Wieland said. “We practice in the mornings... It has really benefitted us. The rain not allowing us to have that constant routine has affected us a little bit.”

Highland will be able to pause and exhale a bit once postseason play begins in Class 1A. The Huskies earned a bye into the second round and will have four days off following the end of the regular season before hosting the winner of Holy Trinity and Lone Tree in a regional playoff game July 7.

“Where we took two losses, I think that hurt us in the pairings,” Wieland said. “We have got some steep competition if we make it to the other side of the bracket, for sure.”