By Justin Sokeland
WBIW.com
BEDFORD – Something was definitely missing during Bedford North Lawrence’s opening day of practice for the 2026 campaign.
The first clue was the volume. Those thunderous, noisy blasts, sonic booms off the bat, that echoed across the complex had vanished. The second hint was the physical presence. Everyone stopped and watched when the most feared slugger in state history stepped on the turf.
For the first time in five years, BNL legend Ava Ratliff will not grace the lineup. She had to go, eligibility and graduation rules demanded that. But she was not the only noticeable void. Diamond wisdom dictates strength up the middle, and the Stars lost an All-World catcher, All-State shortstop and all-conference center fielder in one class.
Welcome to life A.R. – After Ratliff. What will that be like? BNL started the reloading on Monday. With seven returning veterans with starting experience, BNL’s cupboard is not bare. It’s just stocked differently, with more generic brands.
The loss of Ratliff, who obliterated the state record with 69 career home runs and finished second in state history with 179 RBIs before departing for Auburn, was tough enough. Then add in the loss of shortstop Kendall Graves, who joined Ratliff as an Indiana All-Star before moving on to Butler. And don’t forget about lead-off hitter and center fielder Tori Nikirk, who earned a spot on the Hoosier Hills Conference squad. That’s a ton of talent to replace.
”We’re going to find out – if we don’t know already – what they meant to us,” BNL coach Brad Gilbert said. “I’m sure there will be some looking around, realizing they are not here. Who’s going to fill their shoes? Those are tough shoes to fill.
“We’re not empty handed. We’re looking for the juniors and sophomores to fill the gaps. If I had to make a lineup right now, I don’t know what it would be. We have so many kids at the same level, so these next 10 days will tell us a lot.”
Rather than count on the bombers to launch homers, BNL will have to adjust. Pitching and defense will be crucial. Runs must be manufactured the old-fashioned way, with plate discipline, multiple hits and daring on the bases.
“The one thing we will have to realize quickly is we can’t look at what we’ve done the last few years, and expect this team to do that,” Gilbert said. “This team will have its own identity.
”We will be a different team. Hopefully we’re strong in the circle, play good defense, and we will have to move runners and manufacture runs. We’re not going to hit the three-run home run every night like we’ve done. We have to put the ball in play, put pressure on the defense.”
Softball is still a pitcher’s game, so that’s where BNL will start the restocking. Senior hurler Karsyn Coleman (9-6, 4.62 ERA last season) and junior Macee Nicholson (11-6, 3.72 while earning Honorable Mention status in the league) will anchor the circle, with help from Sophia Jewell.
“We have all three back,” Gilbert said. “Not to put pressure on them, but that’s how the game is played. With a good pitcher, you can be in most of your games.”
The veteran leaders include senior infielder Sara WIlliams (.327 with 16 RBIs last season) and senior Dalanie Davis (who will follow in Ratliff’s footsteps behind the plate). Others with valuable experience include junior Bella Warren (.268) and sophomore Adalynn Bailey (.268). Nicholson hit .354 last season as BNL went 20-12, posting 20 wins for the sixth time in the last 10 years.
“We don’t have the superstar that everyone knows, and that might be a good thing,” Gilbert said. “Teams won’t know what to expect.
”Our goal is to hit the ball on the nose, hit line drives. If we go up every time thinking we’re going to hit the ball over the fence, we’re going to pop out. This team will win games by going first to third, putting balls in the gap. I don’t think any of us think we’re going to hit as many home runs as we did the last five years.”
BNL will be chasing defending sectional champion (and semistate finalist) Floyd Central in the HHC race. The Stars will also be competing in Class 4A for the final time before shifting down to 3A in 2027.
”We have not talked about it,” Gilbert said of the impending change. “And for our three seniors, it doesn’t matter. I have mixed feelings about it. It would be great to win another sectional championship at 4A.”
BNL will start the season with a two-day, five-game road trip to Tennessee on March 27-28.
