Eudora softball off to perfect start with focus on goal of winning state

photo by: David Rodish/Journal-World

Eudora softball's infielders huddle together after a strikeout in a 7-0 win over Baldwin on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, in Baldwin City.

After back-to-back seasons finishing third in the 4A state softball tournament, the Eudora Cardinals are hungry to win it all. Part of that comes from the large senior class the Cardinals have. After winning the 4A state tournament their freshman year, the Cardinals fell short of their goals. That has made them more determined to finish their careers at the top of the state. “(Having seniors) is big, mainly because they have a goal set out, and they’re going to make sure everyone is working to accomplish it,” Eudora coach Bill Finucane said. “It’s tremendous. There’s no substitute for that. They’ve played a lot, they’re good ball players and they keep everyone toeing the line.” Eudora is off to a 14-0 start and is fresh off a 7-0 win over a Baldwin team that held the No. 2 spot in the 4A East before the game. The team’s veteran leadership helped secure the win, as the game was close for the first few innings. But they have experience and know how to keep everyone in check in tough situations. A lot of that comes from the experience the seniors have. “This group realizes that it takes everybody to be successful,” Finucane said. “They kind of learned that last year and have stayed with it this year. They pull for each other, play as a team and are focused. They’ve done a really good job.” Senior catcher Reese Pattison said the team emphasizes avoiding any drama. They know how it can keep a talented team from reaching its potential. The Cardinals have worked hard to build a strong culture and friendship that empowers young and experienced players to step up and have fun. “We all play for each other and get along well,” Pattison said. “Getting ahead of any drama and realizing what our main goal is helps us stay focused.” The team chemistry has helped the Cardinals play well, but the team is also full of talent. The pitcher, Sam Claire, is a Kansas commit and one of the top pitchers in the state. She has thrown 56 innings this season and has five earned runs allowed. Meanwhile, she’s racked up 129 strikeouts. Claire tallied a season-high 19 strikeouts against Baldwin, accounting for over 90% of the team’s outs on strikeouts. “A pitcher like Sam is great to have,” Finucane said. “She’s a great weapon to have, and she’s a nice young lady.” Claire brings a lot, which helps take some of the pressure off the team at the batter’s box, where the Cardinals have been highly effective. The Cardinals average over 11 runs per game and have scored 10 or more runs nine times. What makes the team so effective at the plate is the team’s selflessness. The Cardinals have learned the value of a bunt and come to understand that moving runners is better for the team than trying to hit a home run every time at the plate. “We focus on learning from our mistakes, first of all, and learning how to grow with each other specifically,” senior center fielder Lexi Born said. “It’s all learning from past mistakes.” With such a senior-heavy team, the Cardinals have a sense of urgency to win big games. Time is running out for a group that has spent much time together on the field, and they know it. They want to finish strong and cherish the moments that matter, like when Pattison runs up to celebrate with Claire after a third-out strikeout. “It’s one of my favorite moments every time,” Pattison said. “We got to do it a lot (on Tuesday).” Taking in each moment helps the team stay focused on each game. As good as the season has been and as talented as the team is, the Cardinals know it can all slip away from them if they don’t take each game seriously. “We hold each other accountable,” Born said. “It’s good to have fun but mess around, but when we need to lock in, we lock in.” The Cardinals’ goal is to win the state, and they’ve learned from their mistakes. The best way to achieve their goal is to take it one day at a time and play for each other. That mentality has gotten them to 14-0 so far, and they believe it’ll be what takes them to the state championship.

photo by: David Rodish/Journal-World

Eudora senior third baseman Jaiden Burris points and celebrates with her team after a double in a 7-0 win over Baldwin on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, in Baldwin City.

photo by: David Rodish/Journal-World

Eudora senior pitcher Sam Claire throws a pitch in a 7-0 win over Baldwin on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, in Baldwin City.