By Michael Cignoli (For OzarksSportsZone.com)

The 2025 season was one to remember for Springfield Catholic softball, but it also offered a glimpse of what's possible.

The Fightin' Irish finished 20-11 and notched the first playoff victories in the program's young history — a major step forward for a team that won just 27 games across its first four seasons.

Though they ultimately fell short in the district title game, the Irish return seven starters whose experience and leadership could make this the year the team breaks through.

"This year we are focusing on trusting their muscle memory, finding true grit and determination for the game and working to get 1 percent better every time they come to the field," Fightin' Irish coach Madison Orr said. "We noticed last year that when something was challenging or they were under pressure, they couldn't get the job done. 

We made it to the district championship — and we wholeheartedly believe we can do it again. We want them to believe in themselves, their talents they are working for their whole life and just have fun in the process as well."

Springfield Catholic boasts four players who earned postseason honors last spring, including all-state shortstop Taryn Stuhlsatz. The Benedictine commit hit .522 and led the Fightin' Irish with 11 home runs, 53 runs scored and 42 runs batted in as a junior.

"Taryn will be a huge force to be reckoned with," Orr said. "She is our shortstop with an incredible arm (and) a bat that is huge and dangerous. She is our go-to-girl. I want her to find her voice this year on the infield and lead this team to being a solid infield."

Sophomore pitcher Brianna Scott, senior catcher Jalyn Smith and senior centerfielder Averie Keeling were all named to the all-region, all-district and all-conference teams. Scott and Smith were also all-region selections.

Scott made an immediate impact in the circle and at the plate, going 13-5 with a 3.11 ERA, batting .409 and driving in 27 runs as a freshman.