Rulli was Rockets’ key in softball

Cedar Grove-Belgium High School’s rebuilding softball team didn’t win many games this season as it was in rebuilding mode, but a senior’s play and intangibles stood out.

First baseman Emmy Rulli was named to the Big East Conference second team.

She hit .286 with six RBIs and a double, walking 11 times and striking out 12. She had a .490 on-base percentage and stole eight bases.

She had a .706 fielding percentage with 24 putouts.

“Emmy was an exceptional player throughout the entire year. From the very first day of practicing in the gym, she demonstrated a strong desire to improve and excel. She consistently approached any coach around her, seeking feedback on her performance during plays and identifying areas for improvement. Despite maybe having a down game or practice, she maintained a positive attitude and would push her teammates,”  first-year coach Drew Thimmig said.

“By the end of the season, she had transformed into one of our most prominent leaders. During every practice and game, she actively sought opportunities to enhance her skills. She would request coaches to spike balls in front of her to practice scoops or to receive additional rounds of soft toss. Emmy’s commitment to her development and her ability to hold everyone accountable, including coaches, made her an exceptional leader. Her leadership qualities will undoubtedly be greatly missed next season.”

The Rockets might have had another player honored, but 2025 all-conference honorable mention London Rulli broker her finger early in the season and didn’t return.

The Rockets went 2-7 and finished fifth in the Big East Conference South. They were 3-17 overall.

One of the Rockets’ Big East foes, Ozaukee, is rebuilding its program, playing a mostly junior varsity schedule with a handful of varsity games. The team finished 4-8 overall and 2-2 in the Big East South.

Random Lake won the conference with a 9-0 record. Howards Grove was second at 7-2.

The Big East South all-conference first team infielders were: Maddison Tuenissen and Calla Nickel of Howards Grove; Danika Eberhardt, Chloe Thill and Laila Sanders of Random Lake; and Briley Behm of Oostburg. The catcher was Random Lake’s Lily Klein. Ava Daggett was the pitcher.

Thill was named Player of the Year.