Ramstein senior Madison Mihalic pitches during the first game of an April 13, 2024, doubleheader against Lakenheath on Ramstein Air Base, Germany. (Matt Wagner/Stars and Stripes)

As DODEA-Europe softball heads into the business end of the season, Ramstein is finding ways to keep it fun.

A week before the start of the Division I European championships held Wednesday through Friday in the Kaiserslautern Military Community, the Royals brought out a hose and a Slip ’N Slide to the softball field on Ramstein Air Base, Germany.

It’s not because the defending champions are taking it easy ahead of the tournament. The Royals just happen to play better when they’re loose and enjoying themselves.

“We just need to get hype, play our music, have fun because when we’re having fun is when we play good,” Ramstein senior ace Madison Mihalic said. “When people are stressed out or feeling anxious, then we start to get down on ourselves.”

That attitude has Ramstein flying high. The Division I tournament’s top seed (12-0, 12-0) has blown past the competition this season, outscoring opponents 189-32.

The closest game all season was a 15-10 win over Stuttgart on March 16, the later game of a doubleheader.

Talking to the players, the squad’s camaraderie has helped it be so dominant this campaign.

“Overall, this is the best team I’ve been on because everyone talks to each other,” senior Madelyn Young said. “We’re not divided into different groups. We’re all talking to each other, we’re all friends outside of softball. That helps with the dynamic.”

The talent also helps.

Ramstein brought back 11 players from last year’s championship squad, including seniors Mihalic, Young, Jazmyn Hall and Emma Stone and juniors Emma Inthavixay, Parker Ingram, Arianna Chambers and Isabella Chambers.

Added to that group are newcomers such as Ania Edwards and Aspen Lindsey, both of whom have parked the ball this season.

“It’s made coaching decisions a little bit more difficult when we’re doing lineups because we are so deep at each position,” assistant coach Kris Mihalic said of the team’s depth. “We’ve moved people around all season just trying to gauge what their different skill sets are. That’s what happens when you have talent.”

It all equals a perfect storm for a repeat. But the Royals expressed how they must be at their best to top teams like Stuttgart and Kaiserslautern.

“When we’re on, we’re on,” Madison Mihalic said. “Nobody can beat Royal ball when we’re on.”

Naples freshman Ari Lopez struck out nine batters in three innings and didn’t allow a hit as the Wildcats defeated Aviano 21-3 in the opener of a doubleheader Saturday, April 13, 2024. (Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes)

Divisions II/III

DODEA-Europe’s other defending champion, Naples, couldn’t be more different in terms of makeup from Ramstein.

The Wildcats had just three players with more than a smidge of experience in the sport, including just two – sophomore Madisun Myers and senior Lucy Black – on the squad last year.

So, Amy Driscoll anticipated 2024 as a rebuilding year. Yet heading into the Divisions II/III European tournament, the Wildcats (12-1, 11-0) enter as the top seed after running the league table during the regular season.

“I’m just so proud of the progression they’ve made from the beginning to now,” Driscoll said. “They really gained some good experience, and the skill level has really improved a lot from the beginning.”

Among the players who have shown vast growth, Driscoll pointed to senior middle infielders Ann and Rose Morales, twins who have anchored the defense; freshman Olivia Fischer, who has become one of Naples’ potent batters as shown against Sigonella on Saturday with a four-RBI effort; and junior Anna Gose, who in her first year has become the team’s “very reliable” second pitcher, according to Driscoll.

One of the biggest additions has been pitcher Arianna Lopez. The freshman has stepped into the circle and immediately became one of the best in the division, leading the way for the Wildcats. She also has played behind the plate to give Black, who made the move from third base and outfield, a rest.

“She’s consistent, she holds it together in that high-pressure position and her hitting is phenomenal,” Driscoll said of Lopez. “She’s a big key to our success this season, for sure.”

Used to being the favorite heading into the tournament, Driscoll will repeat her usual warning to team about going into the tournament arrogantly.

Rota’s two losses came against Naples, but the difference in one contest was just two runs. Vicenza, sitting middle of the pack in the league, gave the Wildcats a scare during a 10-9 Naples victory on April 20.

“I’ve had teams go to tournaments that on paper look like they should do really well, and they didn’t,” Driscoll said. “I don’t want them to think it’s already won. You have to work for it.”