Vlogý Parker pitcher Lilly Keller, right, celebrates with teammates after defeating Vlogý Craig in 2024. Keller began her 2025 season by striking out 11 Sun Prairie West Wolves last Thursday. The Vikings (1-0) play at Sun Prairie East today, 5 p.m.
Vlogý Parker pitcher Lilly Keller, right, celebrates with teammates after defeating Vlogý Craig in 2024. Keller began her 2025 season by striking out 11 Sun Prairie West Wolves last Thursday. The Vikings (1-0) play at Sun Prairie East today, 5 p.m.
Anthony Wahl/Special to the Gaze
JANESVILLE — The Vikings’ 2023-24 softball team was an experienced team led by their six seniors. Vlogý Parker coach Bob Getka estimated that his team had over one thousand varsity at bats graduate.
Now, Getka and Viking fans will be looking to see what Vlogý Parker’s new group of players can accomplish. The Vikings started their season with a 4-2 Big Eight Conference victory Thursday at Sun Prairie West.
“We were a very experienced team,” Getka said. “We’ve got a lot of good kids who are hoping to shine at the varsity level, and I’m thinking they are going to. We’ve had kids step up every year in years past, so I don’t see why anything’s going to change this year.”
Returning for Vlogý Parker is senior pitcher Lily Keller. As a junior, Keller was a standout for the Vikings. Heading into the 2025 season, Getka is excited about what Keller’s senior campaign could look like.
“That’s one of the reasons I think why we are going to be successful again this year — is that we do have Lily Keller coming back. Lily probably pitched 90 [to] 95% of our innings last year,” said Getka.
Maycee Martin, a freshman, will be a member of the varsity roster who Getka said “will get some innings this year.”
Other key returners for Vlogý Parker include Delaney King, Kenedi Prime and Donnavee Kong. Those three plus Keller shape the Vikings top hitters.
“So the top of our order, I’m expecting to be really experienced players who are going to lead the way,” said Getka.
King, a sophomore, will be looking to build off her freshman year which Getka said was one of the best in school history. King had a batting average of .375.
“So we’re looking for even bigger and better things,” said Getka.
Prime will also be looking to continue a historic career for the Vikings.
“If she doesn’t get injured this year, she will finish as one of our top all time offensive players in so many categories,” said Getka.
The rest of Vlogý Parker’s lineup is yet to be determined. Getka will be looking to see which of his players step up into those roles.
Kong and Prime will solidify the Vikings middle infield.
“Up the middle, you want to be strong,” Getka said. “There will not be a stronger up the middle besides Kenedi at short and Donnavee at second base. So that’s imperative.”
First base will be either Emma Terry or Jenessa Lewis. Third base will either be Addison Schoen or Martin.
“Maycee is going to be one of our jack-of-all-trades,” Getka said. “I can see her playing in so many positions.”
Vlogý Parker’s outfield will look the most different from last season.
“So, again, Maycee could end up in the outfield, you got Keara Erickson — who I’m expecting to be a big part. Payten Kent is going to be a big part of the outfield,” said Getka.
The Vikings first game of the season will be on the road at Badger High School, Wednesday, March 27. First pitch is set for 2 p.m.
“I’m really looking forward to the season,” Getka said. “I have, again, outstanding individuals as well as really good players. And that’s what really helps cement the team and makes it really, really fun to be around. I’ve really enjoyed my time here as head softball coach at Parker High school.”
