By Matt Browning

Since she was in third grade, Moundridge softball player Aubree Durst has mostly played with the same girls.

More so than anything else this season, this is what Durst is excited about the most; one last ride with her teammates.

“We have a great group of seniors and most of us have been playing together since third grade,” Durst said. “I always look forward to softball season because the team chemistry we have is unmatched, we love, support, and respect each other and we laugh a lot.”

Developing her offensive approach and being a better hitter is what Durst is determined to improve.

“My father has been a crucial part of my success in softball,” Durst said. “He is very passionate about making my siblings and I better athletes. We enjoy going out on Sundays when the weather is nice and practice hitting. He challenges me by pitching different spots and he is patient enough to coach me on my swing.”

Last season, Durst was a first team all-league player and that is an individual accolade Durst is focusing on accomplishing again. From a team perspective, Durst wants to lead the Wildcats to the state tournament.

“These past two seasons we have lost in the last game at regionals and so it would be amazing if we could make it to state this year,” Durst said. “As a team we have been very successful in each season, so even though going to state would be amazing, I wouldn’t define our season by that.”