Comets didn’t need votes to make it to state

By John Burbridge

sports@charlescitypress.com

CHARLES CITY — There are all-conference, all-district and all-state distinctions.

But few things can top a triple crown.

That’s the distinction Charles City senior Jamie Sindlinger earned when the Comets softball team attained a Class 4A State Softball Tournament berth after defeating Region 3 top seed West Delaware in the regional championship game on Tuesday.

Already a multiple state finalist in volleyball and golf, this softball season represents the third jewel at the end of Sindlinger’s outstanding prep career.

“I’ve been on this team since the eighth grade,” Sindlinger said of the early start of her varsity career. “All the other seasons ended in disappointment, so it’s nice to finally get it done and get down there for my last season.”

Though Sindlinger considers volleyball her best sport which she will continue to play when she attends Luther College, she’s not that bad of a softball player, either. A soft-gloved fielder at first base who routinely saves her teammates from committing errors by scooping up low throws and leaping to corral high ones, Sindlinger is hitting .379 this year and recently was named to the all-Northeast Iowa Conference second team.

“I’m fine with that,” Sindlinger said of her selection.

Comet coach Brian Bohlen isn’t … or at least not for several other Comet second-team selections.

Granted, Charles City is fairly well represented on the NEIC first team. Senior ace pitcher Megan Roethler earned her second first-team selection after being named to the NEIC first team as a sophomore. Senior outfielder Shae Etherington, who is hitting over .500, and junior middle infielder Bailey Mitchell — arguably the most consistent player on the team offensively and defensively — are also NEIC first-teamers.

Comets named to the second team included Sindlinger; senior outfield Megan Staudt and sophomore middle infielder/pitcher Tayler Schmidt, both of whom were first-teamers last season; and senior outfielder Sara Martin.

Bohlen is most incredulous about Martin not making the first team.

“She was second in the league in homers (11) and some girl hitting (below .300) was placed ahead of her,” Bohlen said while explaining the voting process to the team.

Conference coaches vote for selections, but can’t vote for their own players.

“Yeah, I voted for some Waverly-Shell Rock players,” Bohlen said. “The best players should be recognized, but I think they should do something about the (voting) system.”

Etherington made it as a “utility” player, though Bohlen considers her a first-team outfielder. Etherington and Sindlinger have been teammates since their youth softball days. Etherington is also grateful for a belated state tournament appearance in her final high school season.

“The chemistry on this team is much better than years before,” said Etherington, who leads the Comets with 31 stolen bases and has yet (knock on wood) to make an error while patrolling centerfield.

“We get along much better and we do a lot of things together other than softball,” Etherington said.

Schmidt, who clubbed two homers in the regional championship victory over the Hawks, didn’t have to wait as long for her first state tournament appearance. And she feels confident this won’t be the only time she will accompany her Comet teammates down to Fort Dodge.

“I’m pumped … I can’t wait to get down there,” Schmidt said. “It’s going to be a great experience.

“I think with the talent we have coming back next year that we can make it down there again. But I want to win this one first.”

The Comets will face the top-ranked Carlisle Wildcats in the opening round at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday at Mittera Field within the Harlan Rogers Sports Complex.

“We’re still trying to find out more about them … who are their slappers … how much speed they have,” Bohlen said. “But we’re going to be prepared for whatever we face down there.”