The plan seems to be in place for Batavia’s MacKenzie Krauch.
A standout utility player, Krauch has an immediate goal that’s simple enough — finish her senior season strong on the softball field followed by graduation.
Check.
Next, she will move on to Illinois State, where she has been accepted for classes. She will begin pursuit of a bachelor’s degree in physical education.
“That’s the goal,” Krauch said. “I want to teach and coach in high school.”
She stayed on track Saturday afternoon and did her part by going 5-for-7, but Batavia got swept 12-2 and 8-5 by host Benet in a nonconference doubleheader in Lisle as the Bulldogs head into the final week of the regular season.
“This week has been a little rough,” Krauch said. “I’ve been making contact but hitting it right at people. It was really nice to get back into my groove, get a few hits and get on base again.
“Hopefully, it will carry into next week and then the playoff week.”
Krauch staked Batavia (7-20) to an early lead with the first of her two doubles in the opener, driving in junior second baseman Alexis Coonrod, who had reached on an infield error.
Benet (17-15) promptly answered with two runs in the bottom of the first and then added six in the second off freshman pitcher Francesca Carter, who was hurt by two errors in the second.
Hitting has pretty much been a given for Krauch, however. She batted .363 with two home runs and eight RBIs last season at the top of the Bulldogs’ order.
Saturday’s performance improved her batting average this spring to .358 with 12 RBIs.
“Kenzie is one of the team leaders and very vocal,” Batavia coach Torry Pryor said. “She’ll play injured. She gives up her body for the team.”
Krauch, who has been playing left field this season, moved to third base in the opener due to a lineup shuffle by Pryor as two senior starters were unavailable due to family commitments.
She made a highlight-reel defensive play in the opener and slotted in as the designated hitter in the nightcap, responding with three singles in four at-bats.
Previously, she has played shortstop and even pitched but has seen little action there this season.
“I am completely OK with that,” Krauch said. “I’m very glad I’m not in that circle anymore.”
But is she OK with putting a wrap on her playing career in high school, especially after playing travel for six years, including stints with the Dennison Silver Hawks and Wasco Diamonds?
“North Central was interested but I wasn’t feeling it there,” Krauch said. “Heartland Community College, just down the street from ISU, actually offered me but I’m just looking at Illinois State.
“I love the campus, know so many people there and it’s strong for my major.”
But she didn’t seem 100% certain when later asked about possibly walking on.
“I think I’m going to try,” Krauch said. “What is it LeBron (James) says? You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take? I may give it a go.
“If I don’t, I’m going to join the club team they have. I’ll stay in the sport, definitely.”
There have been more downs than ups for Krauch along with catcher Teagan Sullivan and center fielder Amira Mendoza, both three-year senior starters. The Bulldogs have won just four and eight games, respectively, the previous two seasons.
Still, Krauch felt positive about Batavia’s future.
“I feel we have a lot of good people who will be able to fill these roles as they become upperclassmen,” she said. “With this team having so many young starters, I feel like we’ll be leaving it in really good hands and they can make it better.”
