Logan preps for first state appearance since 2005

Rangers ranked No. 1 in Division 2 entering state semifinals

LA CROSSE, Wis. (WKBT) — The only issue on paper for Logan heading into Madison is experience.

The Rangers opponent, New London, is returning to Madison for their third consecutive year. Assistant head coach Ron Sunne, however, said throw that conversation out the window, because this team is the most mentally prepared squad he has had in 31 years at Logan.

“I get little butterflies before every game,” said (20-1) starting pitcher Jordyn Kleman. “It goes away before I throw the first pitch, and then I vibe off the pressure.”

“We are ready for the whole atmosphere of being in Madison, and knowing that it is a state tournament,” said first baseman Alex Modjeski. “We are going to be playing good teams. We do not expect to walk over any of the teams we have left to play. It motivates us a lot.”

The intimidation factor is on Logan’s side this weekend. Kleman leads the state in strikeouts with 290 on the season. That success is in big part to her longtime catcher, who caught every Ranger inning this season.

“I’ve been catching for Joe for a long time,” said senior Kadie Weiss. We both just grew up together on the field. It has been a really fun journey with Joe.”

“She works harder than anyone,” said Kleman. “She is always working, she always has a positive attitude. She fell into the position, and she grew to love it. We love her there.”

This varsity roster is essentially unchanged from the days of 10 and under softball, and even back then there were thoughts of this weekend.

“I just remember watching them and being like, ‘I can not wait till that is me’ and now I am actually here and we are going to state,” said Weiss.