LIN— In 2023, the Linn Lady Wildcats tasted great success in softball.

And they liked it.

“Coming into last year, we were really focused on capturing that district title, because we haven’t had one in a long time,” Lady Wildcats head coach Ryan Rost said. “Then we were lucky enough to pull off that nice comeback win over Elsberry (a memorable 7-6 win in the quarterfinals after being down 6-0) to get to the Final Four.

“When we got there, things didn’t go exactly the way we wanted, but we were happy with the season we had.”

Now this.

“Coming into this season,” Rost continued, “we sat the girls down and made a list of goals for our team. Obviously, one of our goals was to get back (to the Final Four), but this time to win it.”

After reaching the Final Four twice in program history before last year, the Lady Wildcats are now making their second trip in 12 months. Next up on this journey for Linn (23-4, ranked No. 3 Class 2) is a date with Highland (25-6, No. 5) in the semifinals at noon Friday in Springfield.

“This year this group has a different mentality. They know they can do it,” said Rost, a 2012 Linn graduate. “They expect a lot from themselves and they worked very hard to get to this moment. I think we are a little more prepared than last year”.

Linn’s record hasn’t been perfect this season, but it’s close.

Of their four losses, one was to Fatima, the two-time defending Class 3 state champion; one was for the state’s top-ranked team in Class 1, St. Elizabeth, which returns to the Final Four this week; one went to Sullivan, which is in the Class 3 Final Four; and last but not least, a loss to Westminster Christian Academy, which is in the Class 4 Final Four.

There are quality losses and then there are QUALITY LOSSES. You won’t want to hang your hat on them, but they’re certainly nothing to lose your head over.

“In all four games we had real chances to win,” Rost said.

Don’t worry, this team has had more than its share of quality wins, like beating Blair Oaks, which is also in the Class 3 Final Four; and Father Tolton (twice), who is in the Class 4 Final Four.

“I did everything I could to make our schedule tough this year, to prepare for anything we might see,” Rost said. “I think it’s definitely helped us a lot.

“No one intimidates us. We are always ready to compete.”

Good softball teams are always good in the circle, and for the Lady Wildcats, it’s a pair of juniors, Sophia Voss (13-3, 1.50 ERA) and Ava Warren (10-1, 2.10) who are armed and dangerous .

“They’ve both been very good, very dominant this season,” Rost said, “and they were also very dominant last year. They’ve both taken big steps forward with their dominance on the mound and their confidence.

“They never seem nervous or shocked. They’re ready to attack whoever we’re playing with.”

Offensively, the Lady Wildcats, seeking the school’s first softball state championship, are a team of speed, power and big tackles.

Sophomore center fielder Kenzy Hackmann leads the game (.420 average, .485 on-base percentage, nine 2B, three 3B, three home runs, 30 runs, 19 RBI) and provides a significant spark, both in the plate as in the field. “She’s a really good all-around player,” Rost said.

Voss hits second (.350, eight 2B, HR, 15 RBI), sophomore shortstop Ellie Dudenhoeffer is third (.354, five 2B, four 3B, two HR, 21 RBI) — “She hits very good swings and drives the ball for us.” — and cleaning up the batting is freshman designated player Emma Starke (.431, .513 OBP, five 2B, three 3B, 18 RBI).

This team has the ability to start a play at any point in the lineup.

“The middle and lower half of our lineup has been huge for us all year,” Rost said. “Any part of the lineup, from one to nine, can make a big hit and then we can move on.

“With our girls, you leave a pitch on the plate and you’re going to pay for it.”

Rounding out the lineup is Warren (.222, 14 RBI) batting sixth, and she’s followed by senior third baseman Emma Monnett (.329, six 2B, 18 RBI) — “She’s been super steady for us.” — senior catcher Kylie Peters (.227) and senior right fielder Kiana Hostetler (.246, 2 HR).

The team’s left fielder is sophomore Heslie Higginbotham.

“I feel very lucky to coach this group of girls,” Rost said. “It really has been a total team effort and a fun team.”

Two more wins would certainly put a fun and tasty icing on the cake for this team and this season.