By Tyler Maheu, Staff Sportswriter
The Woodstock Wasps’ softball season came to an end following a 23-5 loss to White River Valley (WRV) in the first round of the playoffs.
The Wasps went into the contest with WRV coming off a 20-0 loss to them in the regular season finale. For head coach Bitty Alexander’s players, the playoff matchup was a chance to grow. “It felt like an opportunity to play better and learn,” she said. “They were excited to just be in the game and still playing softball.”
In Vermont, teams have an option to opt out of playoff games if the coaches or players decide not to play, an option often taken by the lower seeds of tournament competition. Despite a 2-10 regular season record and the previous harsh loss, Alexander’s squad decided to give the game their best shot. “The girls didn’t want their season to end and were excited to play,” she explained.
The Wasps started the year strong under their first-year head coach, winning their season opener 17-15 against Long Trail. Their second win of the year didn’t come until game nine, a 28-10 win over Arlington Memorial. “I think the first win of the year set the tone for how we want to play,” said Alexander. “The second win near the end of the season gave us a boost to close the year out.”
While the team lost 11 games and won fewer than last season (four), progress was made on a game-to-game basis, with the Wasps losing by smaller margins than in 2025. In addition to this improvement, the season was a great setting for experimentation.
“It was a year to try new positions, almost all of the girls in ones they never played, and they did it with acceptance,” she said. “It helped that when we needed to switch other girls into a position, I saw the girls that typically play there giving advice and taking on a coaching mentality. I think it helped their softball knowledge.”
Several players had standout seasons for Woodstock, including some that ended in Southern Vermont League team nods. Third baseman Reese Osgood was named first-team All-SVL, while utility player Maddy Snide and second baseman May Alexander earned second-team nods.
Alexander also named some unsung players who shone this year. “Gwen Boudreau, a freshman, came in with solid softball experience and was able to take advice, make changes, and further her knowledge in center field,” she said. Pitcher Olivia Westney also received praise. “She pitched every game we played, and always spent time furthering her skills and asking questions,” she said. “She has a real personal drive and held the team down. She was always very composed on the mound, and for our team, that was helpful.”
For all first-year head coaches, there are lessons to be learned, and for Alexander, this year was no different. “I definitely learned that less is more,” she said. “I tried to get the girls focusing on specific drills, changing their positions, and giving them a chance to self-reflect. By the end of the season, I never had a point where I was upset or disappointed because they were always trying their hardest.”
She continued. “My impact is to be positive and believe in them.”
Alexander said one thing she worked on over the season, as someone with expansive softball knowledge, is the ability to turn jargon into layman’s terms. “I’m going to continue that into next season,” she said. “Softball doesn’t need to be hard to conceptualize.”
The head coach leaves this season with optimism for next year and pride in her team. “Overall, it was not the season I expected, but so much better,” she said. “The team really supported each other, and I feel like I connected with these girls these last three months. Whether it was in the gym, the sun, or rain, there is nowhere else I’d rather be, and I’m excited for next year.”
