Reaffirming their legacy, the 2014 Sterling High School girls’ varsity softball team entered the season with increased determination. Led by head coach Becki Edmondson and assistant coaches Eric Staples and Ed Long, the Golden Warriors accomplished an overall record of 31-9 and a conference record of 9-1. A 3-0 win against Streator granted Sterling a conference championship. After prevailing in conference for the fifth consecutive year, the Golden Warriors advanced to the Class 3A State tournament for the second year in a row where they finished third.

To begin the season, Sterling started strong as they won their first seven games, including a 10-0 win against Freeport and 12-2 against Rockridge. When games became tough, the Golden Warriors never backed down. A 4-3 victory against Sycamore came from Abrianna Hale ’16 with the game-winning single. As the season continued, Sterling kept scoring; the Golden Warriors persisted towards a record season. After a few losses, the Golden Warriors made a comeback as Lexy Staples ’17 pitched a perfect game against Rochelle. In six innings, Sterling dominated 11-0. The Golden Warriors, during a five lead change game against LeSalle-Peru, were able to uphold their victorious season. Karlie Mellott’s ’14 walk-off home run in the bottom of the seventh ensured Sterling’s 7-6 win. Later in the season, during a tense rivalry game, Sterling’s defense carried them to a 1-0 win over Rock Falls. Later, Shannon Long ’16 was the star of the game when she hit a three-run home run against Ottawa; Sterling won 10-0. Following, the Golden Warriors claimed first place in the ICCP softball tournament as they defeated Reed-Custer 5-2, IC Catholic 5-1, and Burlington-Central 7-5.

The postseason began with the Golden Warriors dominating Dixon 13-0 in the regional semifinals. The 2014 softball team earned their third regional title in a row against Rock Falls 6-1, advancing them to the sectional semi-finals. Following, Sterling faced Marengo for the third straight season, becoming sectional champions with a score of 6-2. Then, the Golden Warriors defeated Wauconda for the second year in a row in the super-sectional game where they won 3-1. For the second consecutive season, Sterling entered the state tournament. In a tough round, the Golden Warriors lost to Manteno 7-14. While initially down 0-9, the softball girls kept fighting. However, after this loss, Sterling did not surrender. The Golden Warrior spirit guided the girls as they played a final match for third place against Chicago St. Ignatius. Sterling was victorious with a 4-0 score, ending the 2014 softball season on a high note.

Further demonstrating their skills, the Golden Warriors achieved many records and awards. Mellott, Erin Stroup ’16, Hale, and Long earned NIB-XII all-conference honors. Darien Bardoner ’14 and Gabriella Sandoval ’15 received honorable mention all-conference. Notably, players such as Staples, set the pitcher school record with 31 wins and 181 strikeouts. She set this record in the seventh inning of the third place game. Similarly, Mellott was recognized on the IHSA all-time list with 224 hit, which was a school record for hits in a career and 13th place on the IHSA list. She also joined the IHSA all-time run list with 194 runs, a 12th place standing and school record for runs. Mellott was also the Sauk Valley Media Female Athlete of the Year for softball and labeled co-MVP during the 2014 softball season. Moreover, Stroup joined the second and Staples joined the third 3A Area All-Starters team. Bardoner and Mellott were named captains and led their team to many victories. Together, the 2014 softball girls tied the school record with 31 wins in a season.

Although young with a starting lineup comprised of five freshman or sophomores, coach Becki Edmondson noted, “We had a lot of young players who did a great job on varsity. We had a successful season and look for the same success in the future.”

Karlie Mellott '14
Darien Bardoner '14
Hayley Osborn '14
Emily McDonald '15
Lexy Wolfe '15
Gabby Sandoval '15
Mariyah Martinez '15
Lauren Fritz '15
Abri Hale '16
Emily Berogan '16
Gabby Garza '16
Erin Stroup '16
Shannon Long '16
Mackenzie Garza '16
Mackenzie Barnhart '16
Kylie Powers '16
Hannah Escamilla '16
Nadia Trujillo '16
Cheyenne Harrington '17
Lexy Staples '17
Head Coach Becki Edmondson
Coach Eric Staples
Coach Ed Long
Coach Julie Schroeder
Coach Jenny Dykeman