Branstetter Sisters Shock Softball Team

 Allie and Paige Branstetter are transfer students from Kirkwood High school that will be a big part of the softball team’s success this season. Allie is a well-rounded lefty that excels at catching, pitching, and outfield. Her sister Paige primarily plays second base, and both girls are also extremely dangerous on offense. 

“I came in not knowing anybody at all and it really stressed me out. When I went to the first open field everyone was so welcoming and it just took so much pressure off my mind and it made the move better.” Said Paige about the move to a new school and new team.

In their first tournament as Wildcats, the girls batted first and second in the lineup and started on defense. In her first at-bat of the season, leading off for the Wildcats, Allie knocked one over the fence for a home run starting the game off strong. Paige stepped up to the plate after that hoping to go back to back with her sister but unfortunately, her ball was caught at the wall. In the next game of the tournament, Paige hit a grand slam to put the cats up 8-3 against Rosati Cane. To finish out the tournament, Paige hit a second home run in a tough loss to Notre Dame 8-7. The Branstetter sisters also came up with some big plays on defense over the weekend including Allie adding a left-handed pitcher to Westminster’s rotation. 

After hitting the home run Allie said “I was sort of surprised actually because I barely touched the ball, but I was excited for our team especially when we were all hitting and getting a lot of runs in.”

These two players could not have come at a better time for the softball team, after losing six seniors last season, including outfielders Kennedy Pearson and Hope Linam. Allie has definitely filled the hole in the outfield, along with senior Julia Martin. Last season the softball team was a little low on hard-hitting players, but Allie and Paige have added to the Cat’s offense which has definitely accelerated the offense. 

 “The Branstetters will help us big time with our hitting this season, last year I think our biggest struggle was getting hits. They are batting first and second for us right now and they hit three home runs this weekend, and almost got a hit at every at-bat. They are also great fielders that make plays whenever the ball is hit to them.” said junior shortstop Molly Kate Bugh.

At the beginning of the season when Allie and Paige first arrived, the team was amazed at their performance, but their eligibility was unclear. Thankfully for the Wildcats the Branstetter sisters were able to begin the season on time.

“I really think the Branstetter’s will be a big help to the team this year offensively and defensively. They both bring a lot to the table,” said senior pitcher Gabby Merrifield.Bra

The team is very excited to have Allie and Paige on the team and is looking forward to seeing the impact they will make.