Stewart Johnson
One hundred strikeouts is a career benchmark as a softball pitcher. For Olivia Wiske and Audrey Stroud, it’s merely a sophomore-year status update.
The duo recently crossed the century mark in career punch-outs, a feat that underscores the elite quality and veteran-like composure they have brought to the Carroll rotation. While the milestone is impressive on its own, the blistering efficiency with which they reached it is equally exciting for the Lady Dragon faithful.
Stewart Johnson
Despite their underclassmen status, Wiske and Stroud have quickly established themselves as the definitive anchors of the Carroll staff. Wiske has been especially dominant, posting a 2.57 ERA while consistently missing bats and limiting scoring opportunities in high-leverage moments. Stroud complements her with a commanding presence of her own, mixing pitches effectively to the tune of a 3.62 ERA.
The most frightening realization for opposing coaches is that these two are just as dangerous at the plate as they are from the circle. Both have emerged as reliable, heavy-hitting fixtures in the Carroll lineup, combining for 46 hits, 29 runs batted in, and 30 runs scored this season.
It is important to remember these are only sophomores; Stroud and Wiske still have two full varsity seasons to build upon this already elite foundation. With this duo leading the charge in the circle and the batter's box, Carroll’s future looks incredibly bright. And if triple-digit strikeouts are just the beginning, fans are witnessing the start of a special era.