Under Pressure: How Hoisington 🥎 made their return to state

By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post

Feeling the pressure.

Shortly after the Hoisington High School softball team lost to Haven in the 3rd-place game at the 3A State Tournament last year, coach Tim Boxberger heard from parents and fans that the Lady Cardinals would be back and they were already booking their reservations in Manhattan for next year.

“It was a lot of pressure put on these girls,” said Boxberger. “I said hold on, now. How about we get through the season and see how it goes first.”

Last year’s team finished 20-6 and lost to the eventual state champion Cheney 4-2 in the semifinals. Hoisington returned seven starters in 2022, including all-state pitcher Kassidy Nixon. Nixon completed her junior season last year by going 13-2 with an earned run average (ERA) of 1.79 with 144 strikeouts.

“The girls said they felt the pressure throughout the season to return to state,” added Boxberger.

The “empty” words of encouragement at the time from parents and fans a year ago held true as Hoisington was able to earn a spot back at the state tournament by picking up an 11-0 win over Beloit in the Regional Championship game last week in Hays.

“Getting back to state was a big relief for both the coaches and the girls,” said Boxberger. “Every time we would play we’d hear ‘you guys are great and we’ll see you at the tournament.’ I just wanted to take it one game at a time. Since we beat Beloit, it seems like everyone is relaxed.”

Hoisington outscored their three Regional opponents 40-0 last week on their path to getting back to state. The Cardinals earned the #1 seed at the 3A tournament and will face Santa Fe Trail High School in the first round at 5 p.m. Thursday, May 26 at Manhattan’s Twin Oaks Sports Complex.

Hoisington won their first 11 games this spring, but Boxberger was not overly impressed with the team’s defense. For a team with a batting average of .405, the Cards hit all season long, but were surrendering more runs than coach desired.

“Our defense just wasn’t there,” said Boxberger. “I don’t know if it was the weather, lack of focus or maybe our heads were too big. We won all those games and swept Pratt and Haven.”

It may have taken a road loss to Halstead in late April to truly get this Hoisington team in the right frame of mind. In their first 12 games, the Cardinals gave up 50 runs. Since losing to Halstead, Hoisington has won 11 straight and outscored their opponents 162-3.

“Once we got beat, it just seemed everything at practice got a little sharper,” said Boxberger. “Girls were asking for more groundballs and more fly balls. From that point forward, we’ve played our best softball.”

Hoisington (22-1), is led by their four seniors Gracie Aylward, Shaylah Kempke, Kadence Urban and Nixon, all hitting over .368 this year. Those four lead off the batting lineup for coach Boxberger.

“I was thinking during the offseason where I was going to bat everyone,” said Boxberger. “I told myself not to screw it up and just put those four at the top and let them do their thing. They’re all good hitters so let’s just stack it.”

Nixon has repeated her success in the circle this year supporting a 13-0 record and an ERA at 1.42. Nixon, a standout athlete in volleyball and basketball for Central Plains High School, received some relief this year with sophomore pitcher Jordyn Boxberger, Tim’s daughter. Jordyn went 9-1 with an ERA of 1.12 and often started the second game of doubleheaders.

“Kassidy was able to keep that arm fresher for the postseason,” said Boxberger. “I think last year we had to pitch her more than we wanted to. Jordyn and Kassidy feed off each other. If one throws a one-hitter, the other one wants to match it. Kassidy has been great for Jordyn’s development.”

Out of Hoisington’s 23 games this year, 17 have ended early in shortened run-rule victories, including all three at Regionals last week.

“We had goals of winning the whole thing last year,” said Boxberger. “Cheney knocked us out in the semifinals and they got a big, two-out hit and we didn’t. That was pretty much the difference in the game. That was a thorn in our side all summer. We were waiting to get this season started to get rid of some of that pain. Hopefully, we can get the big hit when we need it this year.”

The broadcast for the first round matchup with Hoisington and Santa Fe Trail Thursday will air on 100.7 FM or online HERE. Pregame starts at 4:45 p.m. with the game beginning at 5 p.m.    

Listen below to the entire interview with Boxberger and Eagle Radio's Cole Reif.