Young Bernie SB squad loads up with postseason honors after strong finish

When the All-District 3 and All-Region softball teams for MSHSSA Class 1 were released recently, there was no shortage of Bernie Mules represented.

Given how the Mules finished their season, that shouldn’t surprise anyone. However, midway through the spring, that was definitely not a foregone conclusion.

After 14 games this season, Bernie had lost 11 of them, as it fielded a roster that didn’t include a single senior.

“We have faced great competition most of the season,” veteran Mule coach Brad Botsch said at the time. “Our record is not very good. But these girls have faced good competition and that will help contribute to District time.”

And it did.

Bernie closed its season by winning 10 of its final 13 games, including the Stoddard County Athletic Association Tournament, and advanced past Couch and Summersville in the MSHSAA Class 1 District 3 Tournament, when both of those teams had winning records prior to losing to the Mules.

“The thing that I have tried to do,” Botsch said, “is to keep their confidence level up. Even though we are getting beat, we are competing in those games. We are not just getting smashed most of the time. We’re competing well in those games.

“I’m trying to keep their focus on improving and their eye on the prize at the end of the year.”

That philosophy worked, as Bernie advanced to the District championship game before falling to an Ellington squad that ultimately won 17 games and advanced to the Final Four before falling to the eventual state champion (Valle Catholic).

“Knowing that we have every single player back next year,” Botsch said, “makes a big difference in the way that my mind works.”

One of those players who will return in 2024 is freshman third baseman Mikayln Kirkwood, who was one of six Mules that earned All-District honors.

Kirkwood was one of the top hitters for Bernie, and despite her youth, demonstrated strength at the plate, according to Botsch.

“She’s got a lot of power,” Botsch said of Kirkwood. “When she hits the ball on the barrel, it’s going to be hit hard.

“She is a real coachable kid, and she will make any adjustment that you ask her to make, without question. Coachable kids make a big difference.”

Kirkwood joined teammates Blair Pleimling (freshman, pitcher), Abbygail Powell (junior, catcher), Rylie Powell (sophomore, shortstop), Macie Botsch (sophomore, center field), Kealea Powell (sophomore, left field) on the All-District Team.

In the loss to Ellington, the Mules got just four hits, but Rylie Powell had two of them.

Bernie fell 5-0, but Pleimling threw six innings in the loss and never allowed an earned run.

Macie Botsch was later named to the All-Region squad, as were Abbygail Powell, Pleimling, and Rylie Powell.