Evans shines at the plate and in the circle

St. Ignatius senior Izzy Evans, a seemingly all-around player for the Mission-Arlee-Charlo softball team, has been grinding all year in the batters' box and the pitching circle. With an impressive journey that began in tee ball at the age of 7, Evans has honed her skills and developed a passion for pitching, making her an integral part of the team's success.

At just 8 years old, Evans stepped onto the field as a pitcher for the first time, facing off against Plains. It was a moment that would shape her future in the sport.

"I instantly loved it," she recalls. Determined to improve, Evans dedicated herself to practicing and refining her pitching form.

As part of the cooperative MAC softball team, Evans and her teammates have come close to clinching the state championship title, finishing as runners-up for two consecutive years. This year, they also finished second but showed incredible grit playing up through the consolation bracket to face Conrad – a team that had beaten them in the first round.

A big part of the run was the hitting and pitching of Evans, a workhorse for the squad, posting several seven-inning games for the team.

One factor that contributes to Evans' confidence on the field is the exceptional teamwork and defense surrounding her. Recognizing her teammates' unwavering support and effort, she feels relaxed and focused whenever she steps into the pitching circle.

"I know they are giving 100 percent," she emphasizes. This unwavering focus and determination extend to her performance at the plate, where she strives to contribute to the team's scoring efforts.

What makes the MAC softball team truly unique is the unity they possess. Despite representing three different schools that compete against each other in other sports, these athletes come together as a tight-knit family when they play softball. Evans expresses her admiration for the camaraderie they share.

"It really is awesome how we support and work with each other," Evans said.

Throughout the season, MAC softball has faced formidable opponents and achieved notable victories against Frenchtown, the defending Class A state champions, and Florence, the defending Class B state champions. These wins have been particularly rewarding and satisfying for Evans and her teammates.

They finished the year an impressive 29-5 and maintained focus at the state tournament after their opening game setback, showcasing just how hard these girls work.

Evans' high school career has been marked by remarkable success and immense enjoyment. Her passion for the sport extends beyond her achievements, as she desires to continue working with young girls interested in pitching. By sharing her knowledge and experiences, Evans hopes to contribute to the future success of aspiring softball players.

Even though MAC is graduating eight seniors, Evans has her sights at getting back to the championship next year with a talented group of younger players.