What we learned from the 3rd annual Castle Softball Invitational

EVANSVILLE — Indiana high school softball is in a good spot if this weekend was any indication.

The third annual Castle High School Softball Invitational, presented by Peoples Bank, concluded on Saturday, April 11 at Deaconess Sports Park. Trust when I say it was a strong event featuring some of the best teams and players within the state's borders and beyond. The eight-field complex had at least one Division I pitcher in every time slot during both days. Or it seemed that way.

There were less run-rule games than previous years, even if those can't be completely avoided. Every bracket was competitive. Other than brief pockets of rain on Friday, it was another first-class showing. One which offered the opportunity to take stock in a handful of teams around Evansville.

A few thoughts and takeaways from the weekend.

More: 75 high school softball players to watch in Southwestern Indiana in 2026

Hamilton Southeastern plays Tecumseh during the third annual Castle Softball Invitational presented by Peoples Bank at Deaconess Sports Park in Evansville, Ind., Friday, April 10, 2026.

Hamilton Southeastern plays Tecumseh during the third annual Castle Softball Invitational presented by Peoples Bank at Deaconess Sports Park in Evansville, Ind., Friday, April 10, 2026.

Hamilton Southeastern plays Tecumseh during the third annual Castle Softball Invitational presented by Peoples Bank at Deaconess Sports Park in Evansville, Ind., Friday, April 10, 2026.

Hamilton Southeastern plays Tecumseh during the third annual Castle Softball Invitational presented by Peoples Bank at Deaconess Sports Park in Evansville, Ind., Friday, April 10, 2026.

Hamilton Southeastern plays Tecumseh during the third annual Castle Softball Invitational presented by Peoples Bank at Deaconess Sports Park in Evansville, Ind., Friday, April 10, 2026.

Hamilton Southeastern plays Tecumseh during the third annual Castle Softball Invitational presented by Peoples Bank at Deaconess Sports Park in Evansville, Ind., Friday, April 10, 2026.

Hamilton Southeastern plays Tecumseh during the third annual Castle Softball Invitational presented by Peoples Bank at Deaconess Sports Park in Evansville, Ind., Friday, April 10, 2026.

Hamilton Southeastern plays Tecumseh during the third annual Castle Softball Invitational presented by Peoples Bank at Deaconess Sports Park in Evansville, Ind., Friday, April 10, 2026.

Hamilton Southeastern plays Tecumseh during the third annual Castle Softball Invitational presented by Peoples Bank at Deaconess Sports Park in Evansville, Ind., Friday, April 10, 2026.

Hamilton Southeastern plays Tecumseh during the third annual Castle Softball Invitational presented by Peoples Bank at Deaconess Sports Park in Evansville, Ind., Friday, April 10, 2026.

Hamilton Southeastern plays Tecumseh during the third annual Castle Softball Invitational presented by Peoples Bank at Deaconess Sports Park in Evansville, Ind., Friday, April 10, 2026.

Hamilton Southeastern plays Tecumseh during the third annual Castle Softball Invitational presented by Peoples Bank at Deaconess Sports Park in Evansville, Ind., Friday, April 10, 2026.

Hamilton Southeastern plays Tecumseh during the third annual Castle Softball Invitational presented by Peoples Bank at Deaconess Sports Park in Evansville, Ind., Friday, April 10, 2026.

North plays Elkhart during the third annual Castle Softball Invitational presented by Peoples Bank at Deaconess Sports Park in Evansville, Ind., Friday, April 10, 2026.

North plays Elkhart during the third annual Castle Softball Invitational presented by Peoples Bank at Deaconess Sports Park in Evansville, Ind., Friday, April 10, 2026.

North plays Elkhart during the third annual Castle Softball Invitational presented by Peoples Bank at Deaconess Sports Park in Evansville, Ind., Friday, April 10, 2026.

North plays Elkhart during the third annual Castle Softball Invitational presented by Peoples Bank at Deaconess Sports Park in Evansville, Ind., Friday, April 10, 2026.

North plays Elkhart during the third annual Castle Softball Invitational presented by Peoples Bank at Deaconess Sports Park in Evansville, Ind., Friday, April 10, 2026.

North plays Elkhart during the third annual Castle Softball Invitational presented by Peoples Bank at Deaconess Sports Park in Evansville, Ind., Friday, April 10, 2026.

North plays Elkhart during the third annual Castle Softball Invitational presented by Peoples Bank at Deaconess Sports Park in Evansville, Ind., Friday, April 10, 2026.

North plays Elkhart during the third annual Castle Softball Invitational presented by Peoples Bank at Deaconess Sports Park in Evansville, Ind., Friday, April 10, 2026.

North plays Elkhart during the third annual Castle Softball Invitational presented by Peoples Bank at Deaconess Sports Park in Evansville, Ind., Friday, April 10, 2026.

Castle plays Fishers during the third annual Castle Softball Invitational presented by Peoples Bank at Deaconess Sports Park in Evansville, Ind., Friday, April 10, 2026.

Castle plays Fishers during the third annual Castle Softball Invitational presented by Peoples Bank at Deaconess Sports Park in Evansville, Ind., Friday, April 10, 2026.

Castle plays Fishers during the third annual Castle Softball Invitational presented by Peoples Bank at Deaconess Sports Park in Evansville, Ind., Friday, April 10, 2026.

Castle plays Fishers during the third annual Castle Softball Invitational presented by Peoples Bank at Deaconess Sports Park in Evansville, Ind., Friday, April 10, 2026.

Castle plays Fishers during the third annual Castle Softball Invitational presented by Peoples Bank at Deaconess Sports Park in Evansville, Ind., Friday, April 10, 2026.

Castle plays Fishers during the third annual Castle Softball Invitational presented by Peoples Bank at Deaconess Sports Park in Evansville, Ind., Friday, April 10, 2026.

Boonville plays Avon during the third annual Castle Softball Invitational presented by Peoples Bank at Deaconess Sports Park in Evansville, Ind., Friday, April 10, 2026.

Boonville plays Avon during the third annual Castle Softball Invitational presented by Peoples Bank at Deaconess Sports Park in Evansville, Ind., Friday, April 10, 2026.

Boonville plays Avon during the third annual Castle Softball Invitational presented by Peoples Bank at Deaconess Sports Park in Evansville, Ind., Friday, April 10, 2026.

Boonville plays Avon during the third annual Castle Softball Invitational presented by Peoples Bank at Deaconess Sports Park in Evansville, Ind., Friday, April 10, 2026.

Hamilton Southeastern plays Tecumseh during the third annual Castle Softball Invitational presented by Peoples Bank at Deaconess Sports Park in Evansville, Ind., Friday, April 10, 2026.

Hamilton Southeastern plays Tecumseh during the third annual Castle Softball Invitational presented by Peoples Bank at Deaconess Sports Park in Evansville, Ind., Friday, April 10, 2026.

Carmel plays Floyd Central during the third annual Castle Softball Invitational presented by Peoples Bank at Deaconess Sports Park in Evansville, Ind., Friday, April 10, 2026.

Carmel plays Floyd Central during the third annual Castle Softball Invitational presented by Peoples Bank at Deaconess Sports Park in Evansville, Ind., Friday, April 10, 2026.

Carmel plays Floyd Central during the third annual Castle Softball Invitational presented by Peoples Bank at Deaconess Sports Park in Evansville, Ind., Friday, April 10, 2026.

Carmel plays Floyd Central during the third annual Castle Softball Invitational presented by Peoples Bank at Deaconess Sports Park in Evansville, Ind., Friday, April 10, 2026.

Henderson County plays Brownsburg during the third annual Castle Softball Invitational presented by Peoples Bank at Deaconess Sports Park in Evansville, Ind., Friday, April 10, 2026.

Henderson County plays Brownsburg during the third annual Castle Softball Invitational presented by Peoples Bank at Deaconess Sports Park in Evansville, Ind., Friday, April 10, 2026.

Henderson County plays Brownsburg during the third annual Castle Softball Invitational presented by Peoples Bank at Deaconess Sports Park in Evansville, Ind., Friday, April 10, 2026.

Henderson County plays Brownsburg during the third annual Castle Softball Invitational presented by Peoples Bank at Deaconess Sports Park in Evansville, Ind., Friday, April 10, 2026.

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Third annual Castle Softball Invitational at Deaconess Sports Park

Hamilton Southeastern plays Tecumseh during the third annual Castle Softball Invitational presented by Peoples Bank at Deaconess Sports Park in Evansville, Ind., Friday, April 10, 2026.

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Third annual Castle Softball Invitational at Deaconess Sports Park

Hamilton Southeastern plays Tecumseh during the third annual Castle Softball Invitational presented by Peoples Bank at Deaconess Sports Park in Evansville, Ind., Friday, April 10, 2026.

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Third annual Castle Softball Invitational at Deaconess Sports Park

Hamilton Southeastern plays Tecumseh during the third annual Castle Softball Invitational presented by Peoples Bank at Deaconess Sports Park in Evansville, Ind., Friday, April 10, 2026.

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Third annual Castle Softball Invitational at Deaconess Sports Park

Hamilton Southeastern plays Tecumseh during the third annual Castle Softball Invitational presented by Peoples Bank at Deaconess Sports Park in Evansville, Ind., Friday, April 10, 2026.

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Third annual Castle Softball Invitational at Deaconess Sports Park

Hamilton Southeastern plays Tecumseh during the third annual Castle Softball Invitational presented by Peoples Bank at Deaconess Sports Park in Evansville, Ind., Friday, April 10, 2026.

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Third annual Castle Softball Invitational at Deaconess Sports Park

Hamilton Southeastern plays Tecumseh during the third annual Castle Softball Invitational presented by Peoples Bank at Deaconess Sports Park in Evansville, Ind., Friday, April 10, 2026.

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Third annual Castle Softball Invitational at Deaconess Sports Park

Hamilton Southeastern plays Tecumseh during the third annual Castle Softball Invitational presented by Peoples Bank at Deaconess Sports Park in Evansville, Ind., Friday, April 10, 2026.

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Third annual Castle Softball Invitational at Deaconess Sports Park

Hamilton Southeastern plays Tecumseh during the third annual Castle Softball Invitational presented by Peoples Bank at Deaconess Sports Park in Evansville, Ind., Friday, April 10, 2026.

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Third annual Castle Softball Invitational at Deaconess Sports Park

Hamilton Southeastern plays Tecumseh during the third annual Castle Softball Invitational presented by Peoples Bank at Deaconess Sports Park in Evansville, Ind., Friday, April 10, 2026.

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Third annual Castle Softball Invitational at Deaconess Sports Park

Hamilton Southeastern plays Tecumseh during the third annual Castle Softball Invitational presented by Peoples Bank at Deaconess Sports Park in Evansville, Ind., Friday, April 10, 2026.

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Third annual Castle Softball Invitational at Deaconess Sports Park

Hamilton Southeastern plays Tecumseh during the third annual Castle Softball Invitational presented by Peoples Bank at Deaconess Sports Park in Evansville, Ind., Friday, April 10, 2026.

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Third annual Castle Softball Invitational at Deaconess Sports Park

Hamilton Southeastern plays Tecumseh during the third annual Castle Softball Invitational presented by Peoples Bank at Deaconess Sports Park in Evansville, Ind., Friday, April 10, 2026.

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What we learned from the 3rd annual Castle Softball Invitational

Hamilton Southeastern plays Tecumseh during the third annual Castle Softball Invitational presented by Peoples Bank at Deaconess Sports Park in Evansville, Ind., Friday, April 10, 2026.

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Third annual Castle Softball Invitational at Deaconess Sports Park

Hamilton Southeastern plays Tecumseh during the third annual Castle Softball Invitational presented by Peoples Bank at Deaconess Sports Park in Evansville, Ind., Friday, April 10, 2026.

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Third annual Castle Softball Invitational at Deaconess Sports Park

North plays Elkhart during the third annual Castle Softball Invitational presented by Peoples Bank at Deaconess Sports Park in Evansville, Ind., Friday, April 10, 2026.

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Third annual Castle Softball Invitational at Deaconess Sports Park

North plays Elkhart during the third annual Castle Softball Invitational presented by Peoples Bank at Deaconess Sports Park in Evansville, Ind., Friday, April 10, 2026.

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What we learned from the 3rd annual Castle Softball Invitational

North plays Elkhart during the third annual Castle Softball Invitational presented by Peoples Bank at Deaconess Sports Park in Evansville, Ind., Friday, April 10, 2026.

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Third annual Castle Softball Invitational at Deaconess Sports Park

North plays Elkhart during the third annual Castle Softball Invitational presented by Peoples Bank at Deaconess Sports Park in Evansville, Ind., Friday, April 10, 2026.

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Third annual Castle Softball Invitational at Deaconess Sports Park

North plays Elkhart during the third annual Castle Softball Invitational presented by Peoples Bank at Deaconess Sports Park in Evansville, Ind., Friday, April 10, 2026.

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Third annual Castle Softball Invitational at Deaconess Sports Park

North plays Elkhart during the third annual Castle Softball Invitational presented by Peoples Bank at Deaconess Sports Park in Evansville, Ind., Friday, April 10, 2026.

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Third annual Castle Softball Invitational at Deaconess Sports Park

North plays Elkhart during the third annual Castle Softball Invitational presented by Peoples Bank at Deaconess Sports Park in Evansville, Ind., Friday, April 10, 2026.

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Third annual Castle Softball Invitational at Deaconess Sports Park

North plays Elkhart during the third annual Castle Softball Invitational presented by Peoples Bank at Deaconess Sports Park in Evansville, Ind., Friday, April 10, 2026.

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Third annual Castle Softball Invitational at Deaconess Sports Park

North plays Elkhart during the third annual Castle Softball Invitational presented by Peoples Bank at Deaconess Sports Park in Evansville, Ind., Friday, April 10, 2026.

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What we learned from the 3rd annual Castle Softball Invitational

Castle plays Fishers during the third annual Castle Softball Invitational presented by Peoples Bank at Deaconess Sports Park in Evansville, Ind., Friday, April 10, 2026.

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Third annual Castle Softball Invitational at Deaconess Sports Park

Castle plays Fishers during the third annual Castle Softball Invitational presented by Peoples Bank at Deaconess Sports Park in Evansville, Ind., Friday, April 10, 2026.

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Third annual Castle Softball Invitational at Deaconess Sports Park

Castle plays Fishers during the third annual Castle Softball Invitational presented by Peoples Bank at Deaconess Sports Park in Evansville, Ind., Friday, April 10, 2026.

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Third annual Castle Softball Invitational at Deaconess Sports Park

Castle plays Fishers during the third annual Castle Softball Invitational presented by Peoples Bank at Deaconess Sports Park in Evansville, Ind., Friday, April 10, 2026.

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Third annual Castle Softball Invitational at Deaconess Sports Park

Castle plays Fishers during the third annual Castle Softball Invitational presented by Peoples Bank at Deaconess Sports Park in Evansville, Ind., Friday, April 10, 2026.

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Third annual Castle Softball Invitational at Deaconess Sports Park

Castle plays Fishers during the third annual Castle Softball Invitational presented by Peoples Bank at Deaconess Sports Park in Evansville, Ind., Friday, April 10, 2026.

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Third annual Castle Softball Invitational at Deaconess Sports Park

Boonville plays Avon during the third annual Castle Softball Invitational presented by Peoples Bank at Deaconess Sports Park in Evansville, Ind., Friday, April 10, 2026.

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Third annual Castle Softball Invitational at Deaconess Sports Park

Boonville plays Avon during the third annual Castle Softball Invitational presented by Peoples Bank at Deaconess Sports Park in Evansville, Ind., Friday, April 10, 2026.

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Third annual Castle Softball Invitational at Deaconess Sports Park

Boonville plays Avon during the third annual Castle Softball Invitational presented by Peoples Bank at Deaconess Sports Park in Evansville, Ind., Friday, April 10, 2026.

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Third annual Castle Softball Invitational at Deaconess Sports Park

Boonville plays Avon during the third annual Castle Softball Invitational presented by Peoples Bank at Deaconess Sports Park in Evansville, Ind., Friday, April 10, 2026.

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Third annual Castle Softball Invitational at Deaconess Sports Park

Hamilton Southeastern plays Tecumseh during the third annual Castle Softball Invitational presented by Peoples Bank at Deaconess Sports Park in Evansville, Ind., Friday, April 10, 2026.

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Third annual Castle Softball Invitational at Deaconess Sports Park

Hamilton Southeastern plays Tecumseh during the third annual Castle Softball Invitational presented by Peoples Bank at Deaconess Sports Park in Evansville, Ind., Friday, April 10, 2026.

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Third annual Castle Softball Invitational at Deaconess Sports Park

Carmel plays Floyd Central during the third annual Castle Softball Invitational presented by Peoples Bank at Deaconess Sports Park in Evansville, Ind., Friday, April 10, 2026.

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Third annual Castle Softball Invitational at Deaconess Sports Park

Carmel plays Floyd Central during the third annual Castle Softball Invitational presented by Peoples Bank at Deaconess Sports Park in Evansville, Ind., Friday, April 10, 2026.

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Third annual Castle Softball Invitational at Deaconess Sports Park

Carmel plays Floyd Central during the third annual Castle Softball Invitational presented by Peoples Bank at Deaconess Sports Park in Evansville, Ind., Friday, April 10, 2026.

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Third annual Castle Softball Invitational at Deaconess Sports Park

Carmel plays Floyd Central during the third annual Castle Softball Invitational presented by Peoples Bank at Deaconess Sports Park in Evansville, Ind., Friday, April 10, 2026.

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Third annual Castle Softball Invitational at Deaconess Sports Park

Henderson County plays Brownsburg during the third annual Castle Softball Invitational presented by Peoples Bank at Deaconess Sports Park in Evansville, Ind., Friday, April 10, 2026.

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Third annual Castle Softball Invitational at Deaconess Sports Park

Henderson County plays Brownsburg during the third annual Castle Softball Invitational presented by Peoples Bank at Deaconess Sports Park in Evansville, Ind., Friday, April 10, 2026.

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Third annual Castle Softball Invitational at Deaconess Sports Park

Henderson County plays Brownsburg during the third annual Castle Softball Invitational presented by Peoples Bank at Deaconess Sports Park in Evansville, Ind., Friday, April 10, 2026.

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Third annual Castle Softball Invitational at Deaconess Sports Park

Henderson County plays Brownsburg during the third annual Castle Softball Invitational presented by Peoples Bank at Deaconess Sports Park in Evansville, Ind., Friday, April 10, 2026.

Castle should view this weekend as a net positive

The last result left a sour taste. The overall showing still provided more good than not.

The Knights left Deaconess with three victories in four games – an output most teams in the event would happily take. Castle (7-2-1) did so in different ways: a comeback via a five-run sixth to beat Fishers, offensive fireworks against Eastern Hancock and an extra-inning battle to hold off Columbus North.

The lineup averaged nine runs and 12.3 hits in those three wins. Emma Bruggenschmidt and Lily Greenwell had separate 5-for-5 outings. Bailey Gravens struck out 12 against Fishers, while Ella Pickard sat down nine during the nine-inning marathon. This team firmly remains a top Southern Indiana Athletic Conference and sectional contender.

"We didn't win three games last year," coach Pat Lockyear noted. "It's a tough tournament and tough teams. Mufreesboro gave me an opportunity to (tinker with lineups) to some degree. We're getting finally settled on a lineup with some tweaks depending on who is pitching."

The only negative? The final game.

Castle plays Fishers during the third annual Castle Softball Invitational presented by Peoples Bank at Deaconess Sports Park in Evansville, Ind., Friday, April 10, 2026.

Avon run-ruled Castle 16-2 in five innings during the championship round of the Red Bracket. Fatigue was a partial issue, especially in the circle following the extra-inning game. The Orioles were also a dangerous hitting team, tagging the Knights for 19 hits (a loud nine-run fifth inning secured the early finish).

Castle is a work in progress with the postseason still seven weeks away. No shame in admitting such. There's also plenty of opportunities to show progress with a visit from Henderson County on Tuesday and looming SIAC matchups with North and Mater Dei.

"We need to be a little bit more focused," Lockyear said. "A little bit more mentally tough. Last year, we really thought we were ready for a four-game set in our tournament, and we weren't from a pitching standpoint. I think this year, from a balancing standpoint, it was really good. Most of the pools were unbelievably competitive."

Tecumseh got exactly what it seeked from this weekend

The final results were ultimately inconsequential. Tecumseh wanted to face the best in order to get better.

Mission accomplished.

The defending state champions split their four games against one of the tougher pools in the event. Tecumseh battled 4A No. 11 Hamilton Southeastern to seven scoreless innings before losing in extras (international tiebreaker rules meant starting the inning with a runner on second base) and was no-hit by Texas commit Brooklynn Hagerty of Logansport. It also run-ruled Reitz in six innings and pulled away to beat 4A No. 4 Floyd Central.

"Pitching like this," Tecumseh coach Gordon Wood said. "It prepares us for the postseason, even if you go 2-2. We were a hair from being 3-1, maybe even one pitch. You don't learn much from wins. You learn when you get beat."

Hamilton Southeastern plays Tecumseh during the third annual Castle Softball Invitational presented by Peoples Bank at Deaconess Sports Park in Evansville, Ind., Friday, April 10, 2026.

This showing was still enough to validate Tecumseh (5-2) as a contender to reach Purdue Unviersity once again. Audrey Seiler cemented herself among Indiana's elite pitchers with only six hits allowed and 28 strikeouts across 15 2/3 innings — more on her in the coming days. Indiana State commit Melanie Pfieffer also continued a strong start with six hits and was the only batter to reach base against Hagerty via a hit by pitch. The Floyd Central victory should age well, even if the Highlanders saved their ace.

More: Tecumseh softball continues historic run with another IHSAA state championship

Among the many reasons Tecumseh remains among the best? It never backs down from a challenge. The Braves were one fair ball from beating HSE in a wildly entertaining pitcher's duel. Even the 2-0 loss to Logansport was competitive and needed for a team with higher aspirations than peaking in April.

"There's some adjustments we need to make," Wood said. "Choke up on the bat when you've got two strikes. Show bunt, bring it back halfway instead of all the way. We need to work on those things for when we run into pitchers like this. And we will."

Castle coach joined the exclusvie 700-win club

Pat Lockyear tried his best to turn the focus elsewhere. But make no mistake — this was a big deal.

The Indiana Softball Hall of Fame inductee became only the second in state history to reach 700 career victories, doing so with Castle's 7-3 win over Fishers on Friday night. The only individual with more is the late Russ Milligan of Center Grove at 741. For those keeping count, Lockyear's career mark record stands at 702-267-2 following the weekend.

It's a truly absurd number to comprehend. Castle has been blessed with talented teams and players, many of whom eventually returned to join the coaching staff or found their own success leading programs. That many victories also requires longevity (not always a given during this era) and consistent success. That's been Castle softball for the last 35 years.

Lockyear was adamant about one thing. It's a collective achievement, even if his name is attached.

"To be able to have that many wins, you have to coach for a long time," he said. "I credit all the coaches that I've had, all the players that I've had. I keep doing this because it's fun. It's enjoyable. It's never about individual accolades. This is more, as far as I'm concerned, about the players and the coaches that have helped me."

North plays Elkhart during the third annual Castle Softball Invitational presented by Peoples Bank at Deaconess Sports Park in Evansville, Ind., Friday, April 10, 2026.

What else did we learn from the Invitational?

There wouldn't be enough space to truly encapsulate how good this 24-team field was. Among the cliff notes: 10 teams ranked in latest coaches poll, a trio of Kentucky and Illinois programs who should rack up wins all spring and 30-plus (at minimum) Division I players. Brian Haenchen will provide additional coverage in the Indianapolis Star.

More: Grace Swedarsky, Audrey Seiler match wits in eight-inning thriller

A few closing thoughts on the other Evansville teams and more:

• Good to see North earn a pair of wins. A brutal opening stretch saw the Huskies shut out three times and get no-hit in a 1-0 win against Boonville. The lineup finally came alive with 17 hits against Elkhart, while Payten Brashear provided a walk-off double versus North Posey.
• The same sentiment could apply to Boonville. After taking their lumps in Tennessee during Spring Break, the Pioneers have won four of their last seven. Only one game in that stretch wasn't competitive. The pitching of Mia Clamme (one-hit shutout against North) and Nevaeh Wall (12 strikeouts versus Bedford North Lawrence) is a legit plus.
• Good luck to everyone in Kentucky when Henderson County or Daviess County arrives on the schedule. Henderson dropped three games but put true scares into Logansport and Floyd Central. Daviess, which has at least five DI players, recorded wins over No. 1 Penn, defending state champion No. 2 Crown Point and Lincoln-Way East (Ill.). It wouldn't be a surprise to see both advance deep in the KHSAA state tournament.
• A tough weekend for Reitz having to face HSE, Tecumseh, Carmel and Brownsburg. There were still pockets of sucess to build upon depsite the results. Aiyana Cooper went 3-for-3 with a double against Brownsburg.
• North Posey remains up and down at the plate. The Vikings scored seven combined runs in three losses. They also put 20 on the scoreboard against Monrovia in a game which didn't end until 10:40 p.m. on Friday.
• I can't stress how fun the Audrey Seiler vs. Grace Swedarsky pitching matchup was. The aces combined for 31 strikeouts and neither allowed a run during regulation. Not sure either team scores if not for the extra-inning rule.

Kyle Sokeland is a sports reporter for the Courier & Press. Follow him on X (formerly Twitter) @kylesokeland or email at kyle.sokeland@courierpress.com.

This article originally appeared on Evansville Courier & Press: Thoughts and takeaways from the 2026 Castle Softball Invitational