The Raiders softball team is off to a tremendous start to the 2024 season, having yet to lose a game with a current record of 6-0, sitting at the top of the Suburban East Conference. Head coach Carolyn Osdoba, who is entering her 7th season with the program, 2nd as head coach, said what’s different about this team is that “We have a lot of returning starters, which translates to playing with more ease and confidence than this time last year.” The previous season the Raiders made it all the way to the Class AAA semifinal, where they lost to Mankato East in a close game.
This year’s squad of Raiders is led by three captains, including two outstanding outfielders in Sammy Haider ‘24, and Audrey Michel ‘25, as well as the team's leader on the mound, Brooke Nesdahl ‘25. When asked about these three captains, coach Osdoba said “All three have been great leaders on and off the field. They were good about working out during the offseason, and encouraged their teammates to join them. On the field they are vocal and do a good job of keeping the team energy up.
The majority of games so far have been blowouts in favor of the Raiders, except for a close game against #3 ranked Stillwater, where CDH rallied back after being down 7-1 to win the game with a final score of 8-7. The Raiders then followed that victory up two days later by defeating #1 ranked Forest Lake 12-2. One of the best games of the season so far came in their home opener against Roseville, where pitcher Brooke Nesdahl ‘25 threw a perfect game, having 8 strikeouts in just 5 innings. The Raiders came out on top with a final score of 10-0. Coach Osdoba said “Brooke was lights out. She came out ready to play, hit spots, and didn’t let up. She also had help from a great defense behind her.
On the offensive side of the plate, some of the “big number” players who make their mark on the stat sheet include the two twins in the infield Camille Castro ‘26, and Allie Castro ‘26, as well as catcher Hannah Yaeger ‘25, Sammy Haider ‘24, and Brooke Nesdahl ‘25.
The Raiders are looking to stack up more wins on the table with 11 games left in the regular season, and hope to carry on their success into the postseason. Coach Osdoba says what stands out about this team is “We have a lot of girls who love softball and play year round. A group that is hard working, focused, and wants to get better.” She describes this team as “Resilient, Dedicated, and Energetic.”
The CDH softball team will need as much energy as they can get to keep winning these games, so fans make sure you get out to a game, located on the CDH Wingerd Turf Field!