Willmar has experience: 2 … NLS returns plenty: 5 …. KMS has a new look: 14
Here’s where to find your season previews:
Willmar junior Lexi Owens fields the ball in center field during a Central Lakes Conference game against Rocori on Tuesday, April 18, 2023 at Willmar High School. Joe Brown / West Central Tribune
After a tough ‘23 season, Willmar returns 7 players to the starting lineup
BY JOE BROWN West Central Tribune WILLMAR — The Willmar softball teamis ratcheting up the intensity this season.
After going 1-19 last season, including a 1-12 mark in the Central Lakes Conference, the Cardinals are hoping for some upward mobility. And with seven returning starters, Willmar head coach Christian Brown believes the talent is
there for an improved 2024 campaign.
“Heading into this year, we are really cranking up the intensity of our practices and trying to simulate game situations in practice as much as possible,” Brown said. “We have several players for the varsity squad who are entering their second, third or fourth year as starters or contributors.”
Brown added, “We are leaning on their experience in the field and at the plate
to raise our expectations of what success looks like this season.”
Among the returning players are a trio of seniors in Lexi Owens, Katelyn Garberding and Zadina Butcher.
Owens is slated to start in center field. Garberding is scheduled to join her in the grass in one of the corner outfield spots.
“Lexi is our foundation in the outfield,” Brown said.
CARDINALS: Page 4
Willmar head softball coach Christian Brown looks on as Zadina Butcher steps into the batter’s box during a Central Lakes Conference game against Rocori on Tuesday, April 18, 2023 at Willmar High School.
Joe Brown / West Central Tribune
Willmar sophomore Grace Etterman fires off a pitch during a Central Lakes Conference game against Rocori on Tuesday, April 18, 2023 at Willmar High School.
Joe Brown / West Central Tribune
Willmar sophomore shortstop Hannah Magnuson throws the ball to first base during a Central Lakes Conference game against Rocori on Tuesday, April 18, 2023 at Willmar High School.
Joe Brown / West Central Tribune
From Page 2
“She has received either a team, AllConference or All-Section nod her last two years starting. Lexi has been a wall for us in the outfield as there are not a lot of gap fly balls that get by her.”
Butcher will help maintain the infield at second base.
“Zadina bounced between infield and outfield for us and was a fantastic addition to our varsity team last year,” Brown said. “Zadina is definitely one of the main dugout leaders and helps set the tone for what we as coaches want our players to do.”
The junior class also has a trio of returning pillars. There’s shortstop Hannah Magnuson, first baseman Madi Norsten and pitcher Grace Etterman.
On Magnuson, Brown said, “Not only is she the foundation of our infield defense but seems to have a knack for
finding a way on base and helps us immensely in the batter’s box as well.”
Brown also mentioned Norsten as a player to watch, saying she “has been a true utility player for us the last three years. … She plays defense extremely well and has a great swing. We are hoping to see Madi drive in a lot of runs for us this year.”
Sophomore Shea Loso is back and is hoping to cement a spot in either left or right field.
Willmar is scheduled to open the season on April 9 at Alexandria. The home opener is April 11 against Rocori.
“We are hoping to compete in every game we play this season,” Brown said. “We are telling the girls that they need to turn the dial to 11 on every single thing they do this season, from warmups to drills to games, we want the intensity to be high.
“As always, we want to compete with more teams in the CLC and give ourselves a chance to make a run in the section tournament.”
Tuesday, April 9
Game 5:00PM………………….Alexandria Area Alexandria Area High School
Thursday, April 11
Game 5:00PM………………….Rocori Willmar - Civic Center
Tuesday, April 16
Game 5:00PM………………….Brainerd Brainerd High School
Thursday, April 18
Game 4:00PM………………….Sartell Sartell High School
Saturday, April 20
Invitational TBD………………….Multiple Schools Rochester Softball Complex
Tuesday, April 23
Game 5:00PM………………….Rocori Rocori High School
Thursday, April 25
Game 4:00PM………………….Fergus Falls Willmar High School
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Tuesday, April 30
Game 5:00PM………………….Alexandria Area Willmar - Civic Center
Thursday, May 2
Game 4:30PM………………….St. Cloud Crush St. Cloud Tech High School
Tuesday, May 7
Game 5:00PM………………….Marshall Willmar - Civic Center
Thursday, May 9
Game 4:30PM………………….Sauk Rapids-Rice Willmar - Civic Center
Saturday, May 11
Invitational 9:00AM………………….Multiple Schools Mound Westonka High School
Friday, May 17
Game 5:00PM………………….Little Falls Little Falls High School
NEW LONDON — The New LondonSpicer softball team returns a great deal of experience to its starting lineup for the 2024 season.
NLS, behind Dalayne Hatlestad and Abby Knudsen, returns nine starters to the field.
Hatlestad, a junior catcher/ outfielder, is coming off a West Central Tribune All-Area Second Team and an All-Wright County Conference campaign as Knudsen, a junior centerfielder, was an All-Area Honorable Mention and an All-Wright County Conference pick.
Hatlestad led the Wildcats, who finished 3-11 in conference play and 5-14 overall, with a .364 batting average as well as with 24 hits and three doubles in 2023. Knudsen batted .275 and led NLS with 12 stolen bases.“We are excited about the upcoming season,” NLS head coach Melissa Bergeson said. “We will be a much more experienced team.”
WILDCATS: Page 6
Thursday, April 11
Game 4:30PM………………….Dassel-Cokato
Dassel-Cokato High School
Monday, April 15
Game 4:30PM………………….Litchfield New London-Spicer High School
Thursday, April 18
Doubleheader 4:00PM………Rockford Area
New London-Spicer High School
Friday, April 19
Game 4:30PM…………BOLD Public Schools
New London-Spicer High School - Field #1 - Varsity Softball
Monday, April 22
Game 4:30PM………………….Annandale
New London-Spicer High School
Thursday, April 25
Game-Doubleheader 4:00PM…Watertown-Mayer Watertown-Mayer High School
Friday, April 26 Invitational TBD………………….TBD Caswell Park, North Mankato
Saturday, April 27
Invitational TBD………………….TBD Caswell Park, North Mankato
Monday, April 29
Game 4:30PM………………….Dassel-Cokato
New London-Spicer High School
Tuesday, April 30
Game 4:30PM………………….Minnewaska Area Minnewaska Area High School
Thursday, May 2
Doubleheader 4:00PM…Glencoe-Silver Lake New London-Spicer High School
Monday, May 6
Game 4:00PM………………….Litchfield Litchfield High School
Tuesday, May 7
Game 4:30PM………………Paynesville Area
New London-Spicer High School - Field #1 - Varsity Softball
Thursday, May 9
Doubleheader 4:00PM…Howard LakeWaverly-Winsted Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted
Tuesday, May 14
Game 4:30PM………………….Annandale Annandale Rec Park
From Page 5
The Wildcats will have senior leadership from starters in pitcher/infielder Emily Ruter and outfielder Brianna Wileman. Ruter (2-5) had a 7.80 ERA with 25 strikeouts in 44 innings pitched and hit .263 at the plate. Wileman averaged .282 in 39 at-bats.
Also returning as juniors for NLS are catcher/third baseman Mallory Johnson, second baseman Maren Munsch, first baseman Jadyn Proehl and infielder Aly Wendlandt.
Addi Nelson returns with the most time spent in the circle from a season ago. The sophomore pitcher had a 6.92 ERA and 51 strikeouts in 58-2/3
innings pitched.
Up-and-comers listed as players to watch include: juniors Sarah Kraemer (P) and Amber Ronning (IF), sophomores KayAnna Gehrke (IF) and Leia Farhat (C) and freshman Ezri Boelter (P/IF).
“We improved in all facets of the game in 2023 and I am confident that improvement will continue in 2024,” Bergeson said. “Our lineup will be a great mix of speed and power and should translate into more wins.”
NLS is scheduled to open up its 2024 season on the road at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, April 11, against DasselCokato at Cokato. The Wildcats’ home opener is set for 4:30 p.m. Monday, April 15, against Litchfield at New London.
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GROVE CITY — The AtwaterCosmos-Grove City softball team reached double digits in wins for the first time since 2019 a season ago and will look to continue that trend in 2024 behind six returning starters.
ACGC had a 10-4 record in the Central Minnesota Conference and finished with an 11-6 overall record in the 2023 season. The Falcons, after competing in Section 3AA last year, are now competing under Section 4A this spring.
“We will look to build on that success with a solid core coming back throughout our lineup,” said Falcons head coach Brad Nelson, who enters his 15th season. He will be assisted by Bethany Barka and Quincy McNeil.
The Falcons return four-year starters in Mikaili Johnson, Kendall Miller and Macy Elton despite losing star shortstop Haley Wilner, who was an All-Area First Team member in 2023.
Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City junior Mikaili Johnson sprints toward first base against Belgrade-BrootenElrosa on Monday, May 1, 2023, at Grove City.
City
Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City sophomore pitcher Kendall Miller fires the ball toward home plate against Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa on Monday, May 1, 2023, at Grove City.
Tuesday, April 9
Game 4:30PM………………….Minnewaska Area
ACGC High School
Thursday, April 11
Game 4:30PM………………….Eden Valley-Watkins
ACGC High School
Monday, April 15
Game 4:30PM………………….BBE
ACGC High School
Thursday, April 18
Doubleheader 4:00PM………………….Holdingford Holdingford High School
Saturday, April 20
Doubleheader 1:00PM………………….West Lutheran Parkers Lake Park
Monday, April 22
Game 4:30PM………………….Paynesville Area
ACGC High School
Thursday, April 25
Doubleheader 4:00PM……………….Royalton High School
ACGC High School
Monday, April 29
Game 4:30PM………………….Eden Valley-Watkins
Eden Valley Elementary School
Tuesday, April 30
Doubleheader 4:00PM............Kimball Area
ACGC High School
Thursday, May 2
Doubleheader 11:00AM………………….Maple Lake
River’s Edge Softball Complex - Waite Park
Monday, May 6
Game 4:30PM………………….BBE
Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa Elementary School
Tuesday, May 7
Game 4:30PM………………….Buffalo Lake-Hector
ACGC High School
Friday, May 10
Game 5:00PM………………….Lester Prairie Lester Prairie Lions Field
Monday, May 13
Game 4:30PM………………….Paynesville Area
Paynesville Area High School
Thursday, May 16
Game 5:00PM………………….Mayer Lutheran
ACGC High School
BROOTEN — Experience will not be short for the Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa softball team, which looks forward to improving in the 2024 season.
The Jaguars, who were 2-13 in the Central Minnesota Conference and 2-19 overall, return eight starters in its lineup this spring.
At the forefront of that large returning group is McKenna Lieser. The 5-foot-6 sophomore infielder was a West Central Tribune All-Area Second Team member and an All-Central Minnesota Conference First Team pick. She was voted as BBE’s MVP and Offensive MVP. Lieser, who only struck out three times, batted .422 as a freshman with 27 hits, 13 runs, eight stolen bases and six RBIs. She held a .955 fielding percentage at second base.
“McKenna’s confidence at the plate is unmatched compared to other players and her eye at the plate is off the charts,” said Jaguars head coach Logan Funk, who enters his second season. Boyce Fischer will serve as his assistant. “Not only does her batting stand out, but her defense is what really shines on the team.”
Anna Jaeger’s return is key in center field for the Jaguars. The 5-4 senior had a .418 batting average with 23 hits, 11 runs and 10 stolen bases.
“Anna has the speed and agility to be one of the top center fielders in the conference on defense or on the base paths,” Funk said. “She was one of the top hitters in our lineup who showed great improvements.”
Faith Radermacher returns as another key piece. The 5-7 pitcher/outfielder batted .400 at the plate with 24 hits, 13 runs, 10 stolen bases and 10 RBIs and had 45 strikeouts in 48 innings pitched in the circle. The second half of the year she threw five or more innings in each contest.
“Faith showed all season long why she was one of the top hitters on our team,” Funk said. “I expect her to continue the momentum she built from last year into this season.”
Rounding out the list of players to watch is Brooklyn Fischer. The 5-10 senior catcher/outfielder batted .352 with 19 hits, 12 RBIs and nine runs in her return to softball.
“Brooklyn did a phenomenal job in her first season back since playing in middle school,” Funk said. “She is able to hit the ball with power into the gaps and uses her speed to gain extra bases.”
Also returning for the Jaguars are juniors Taylor Shelton (IF/C) and Mariah Koenig (P) and sophomores Kacey Fischer (IF) and Bree Radermacher (IF/ OF/P).
Make this your best season ever!
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Thursday, April 4
Game 4:30PM………………….Swanville
BBE Elementary School
Tuesday, April 9
Game 4:30PM………………….MACCRAY
BBE Elementary School
Thursday, April 11
Game 4:30PM………………Paynesville Area
BBE Elementary School
Friday, April 12
Game 4:30PM………Browerville-Eagle Valley
Browerville-Eagle Valley
Monday, April 15
Game 4:30PM………………….ACGC
Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City High School
Tuesday, April 16
Doubleheader 4:00PM……….Kimball Area
BBE Elementary School
Tuesday, April 23
Game 4:30PM……………Eden Valley-Watkins
BBE Elementary School
Thursday, April 18
Doubleheader 4:00PM…………….Maple Lake
Maple Lake High School
Friday, April 26
Game 4:30PM………………….Benson BBE Elementary School
Monday, April 29
Game 4:30PM………………….Paynesville Area
Paynesville Area High School
Thursday, May 2
Doubleheader 4:00PM……………….Holdingford River’s Edge Softball Complex - Waite Park
Monday, May 6
Game 4:30PM………………….ACGC BBE Elementary School
Thursday, May 9
Doubleheader 4:00PM......Royalton HS BBE Elementary School
Monday, May 13
Game 4:00PM…………Eden Valley-Watkins
Eden Valley Elementary School
Thursday, May 16
Game 4:30PM………………….Upsala
BBE Elementary School
BENSON — With a good mix of returning starters and underclassmen ready to make their marks, the Benson softball team will look to build off its 2024 campaign.
Benson, which finished 2-10 in the West Central Conference and 5-16 overall, brings back six starters this season. The Braves will look to fill the void of the departure of third baseman
Ellie Krusemark, a West Central Tribune
All-Area Second Team and an All-West Central Conference member in 2023.“We graduated a couple multi-year starters last season,” said Braves second-year head coach Mackenzie Dokkebakken, who will be assisted by Brennan HagenKent and Cally Miller. “We have a good number of returning starters and we have underclassmen eager to fill those positions.”
BENSON BRAVES: Page 12
Benson junior pitcher Presley Nygaard throws a pitch against MACCRAY in a Section 3A-North tournament matchup on Tuesday, May 23, 2023, at Murdock.
Michael Lyne / West Central Tribune
Benson junior Hailee Ellingson squares up for a bunt attempt during a non-conference game against KMS on Friday, April 28, 2023 at Murdock.
Joe Brown / West Central Tribune
Thursday, April 4
Doubleheader 4:00PM��West Central Area
Benson High School Varsity Softball Field
Tuesday, April 9
Game 4:30PM ������������������������������������������������������YME
Yellow Medicine East High School
Thursday, April 11
Doubleheader 4:00PM�����������������Melrose Area
Melrose Area High School
Friday, April 12
Game 4:30PM ���������������������������������Dawson-Boyd
Dawson Boyd High School
Tuesday, April 16
Game 5:00PM ��Morris Area/Chokio-Alberta
Benson High School Varsity Softball Field
Thursday, April 18
Doubleheader 4:00PM�����������������������������B�O�L�D�
B�O�L�D� High School
Monday, April 22
Game 4:30PM ��������������������������������������������������� LQPV
Lac Qui Parle Valley High School
Thursday, April 25
Friday, April 26
Game 5:00PM �Morris Area/Chokio-Alberta
Morris Area High School
Game 4:30PM ������������������������������������������������������� BBE
Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa High School
Thursday, May 2
Doubleheader 4:00PM������������Sauk Center
Benson High School Varsity Softball Field
Friday, May 3
Game 4:30PM��������������������������������Swanville
Benson High School Varsity Softball Field
Thursday, May 9
Doubleheader 4:00PM��������������������Montevideo
Montevideo High School
Monday, May 13
Game 5:00PM ���������Renville County West
Benson High School Varsity Softball Field
Tuesday, May 14
Doubleheader 4:00PM������������Minnewaska
Benson High School Varsity Softball Field
/ West Central Tribune
Warriors, who were a co-op last season, bring a talented-but-young roster into 2024
BY MICHAEL LYNE West Central TribuneOLIVIA — After a two-season co-op run with Renville County West, the BOLD softball team will be an independent, youthful team for the 2024 season.
BOLD/RCW was 14-5 overall and 12-3 in the Camden Conference last year. The Warriors retain one senior, three sophomores, four freshmen, four eighth-graders and two seventh graders.
“We are a very young team, but this group of girls have played a lot of softball,” said BOLD head coach Jessica Aaseth, who enters her second season and will be assisted by Abby Esser, Erin Flann and Lauren Oberle. “This past summer our 14-U BOLD softball team won the Minnesota Tier 5 State Championship and almost the whole
state championship roster is on our varsity team. I know we are going to make mistakes for the pure fact that we are so young, but if we can grow and learn from those mistakes, we are headed in the right direction.
“This season, I believe our team can finish in the top three in the West Central Conference and go a lot deeper in sections this year.”
Kaitlyn Flann will look to lead the Warriors’ charge. The 5-foot-8 eighthgrade pitcher was a West Central Tribune All-Area First Team pick and an All-Camden Conference selection in 2023.
Flann had an 11-3 overall record in the circle for BOLD last season. She pitched 95-2/3 innings with a 1.69 ERA and 103 strikeouts.
BOLD WARRIORS: Page 12
Thursday, April 4
Doubleheader 4:00PM………………….Montevideo
Montevideo High School
Monday, April 8
Game 5:00PM………………….Lakeview B.O.L.D. High School - Dirk’s Park
Thursday, April 11
Doubleheader 4:00PM………….Minnewaska Area
B.O.L.D. High School - Dirk’s Park
Thursday, April 18
Doubleheader 4:00PM………………….Benson B.O.L.D. High School - Dirk’s Park
Friday, April 19
Game 4:30PM………………….NL-S New London-Spicer High School
Thursday, April 25
Doubleheader 4:00PM………………….Melrose
B.O.L.D. High School - Dirk’s Park
Thursday, May 2
Doubleheader 4:00PM……………West Central Area WCA Secondary School, Barrett
Thursday, May 9
Doubleheader 4:00PM………………….Morris Area/ Chokio-Alberta
B.O.L.D. High School - Dirk’s Park
Saturday, May 11
Tournament 9:00AM………………….TBD Wabasso High School
Thursday, May 16
Doubleheader 4:00PM………………….Sauk Centre Sauk Centre High School
Friday, May 17
Game 5:00PM………………….New Ulm Cathedral
B.O.L.D. High School - Dirk’s Park
Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City sophomore Brooke Schultz makes contact at the plate and puts the ball in play against Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa on Monday, May 1, 2023, at Grove City.
From Page 7
Johnson comes back as an All-Area Second Team member and an All-Central Minnesota First Team selection. She batted .375 and had a .500 slugging percentage with 21 hits, 21 runs, 16 RBIs and eight stolen bases in 56 at-bats as a junior.
Kendall Miller also is back after a junior campaign where she was an All-Area Honorable Mention and an All-Central Minnesota Conference First Team pick. She was also voted as ACGC’s MVP in 2023.
Miller had a 9-5 record in the circle. Across 87 innings of action, she recorded a 5.63 ERA and held opponents to a .275 batting average with 110 strikeouts. Her 110 strikeouts ranks third in a single
season in Falcons program history.
Another strong returnee for ACGC is Brooke Schultz. The junior outfielder was an All-Central Minnesota Conference Second Team pick and was a catalyst in the Falcons’ offense. She hit ninth in the batting order and helped connect the bottom of the order to the top.
Schultz batted .364 and had a .409 slugging percentage. She recorded 16 hits, 13 runs, nine RBIs and three stolen bases in 2023.
Rounding out ACGC’s returning starters are senior Macy Elton (IF) and juniors Mackenzie Powers (C) and Kyla Bierwerth (IF).
Noted as players to watch include seniors Madison Koshenina (OF) and Saliceya Studanski (IF), juniors Jordan Koshenina (IF), Rosie Holien (OF) and Autumn Smith (IF) and freshmen Brooke Johnson (IF) and Allie Simon (P).
Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City head coach Brad Nelson makes a substitution with his base runner against Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa on Monday, May 1, 2023, at Grove City.
Lyne / West Central Tribune
From Page 9
Presley Nygaard, a pitcher/infielder, returns for her senior season healthy and ready to guide the Braves to a better season ahead.
“Presley will return as our ace,” Dokkebakken said. “She suffered through some overuse injuries last season but has spent some time rehabbing and is ready to get back in the circle again this year.”
Also noted as players to watch are Sophi Krusemark and Mya McGeary.
Krusemark, a sophomore second baseman/shortstop, led Benson with a .439 batting average as a freshman.
McGeary, a junior pitcher/infielder, led the Braves with 17 stolen bases in her sophomore year.
“Mya’s speedy and aggressive around the bases,” Dokkebakken said.
Hailee Ellingson, a senior outfielder, returns as a starter alongside sophomores Megan Wrobleski (C) and Gwen Wilcox (OF) in Benson’s lineup.
The Braves are set to begin the 2024 season in hosting a doubleheader against West Central Area at 4 p.m. Thursday, April 4, at Benson.
From Page 10
“We would not have been successful last season without our ace (Kaitlyn Flann) and we are looking forward to what she can do in her second year of varsity softball,” Aaseth said.
Delaney Tersteeg returns as BOLD’s sole upperclassman. She was an All-Area Honorable Mention and an All-Camden Conference member in 2023.
The now 5-5 senior shortstop hit .356 and led BOLD/RCW with three triples, three home runs and 12 walks last season.
“This is Delaney’s second year as a
captain of our softball team,” Aaseth said. “She has many responsibilities as the only senior, but also as the only upperclassman on our team and she is up for the challenge.”
The final returning starter for BOLD is eighth-grade first baseman Abbygale King. She had a .308 batting average and hit four doubles as a seventh-grader.
“Abby can just smoke the ball,” Aaseth said. “Her swing is looking really, really good. I am expecting big things out of Abby’s bat this season.”
Also listed as players to watch are Isabel O’Neill, a sophomore who will start at second base, and Ema Flann, a seventh-grader who will be BOLD’s starting catcher.
DAWSON — Assembled with a good number of upperclassmen and a new head coach, Dawson-Boyd will look to be competitive in Camden Conference play in the 2024 season.
Josh Dorn will now be at the helm of the Blackjacks, who finished 1-12 in the conference and 2-17 overall last season.
Dorn replaces Kelly Wente after she had a multi-year stint with DawsonBoyd. His assistant coaches will be Kendra McBride, Mary Bothun and Nick Gruwell.
“We have a very balanced group of seniors and juniors,” Dorn said. “We are looking to be competitive and watching how the team develops and grows together.”
The Blackjacks return seven starters to its lineup this spring. Dawson-Boyd will be led by the likes of seniors Allison Estling and Maddie Peterson and junior Madalyn Wente.
Estling, a pitcher/shortstop, batted
.492 and had a .738 slugging percentage with 32 hits (9 2B, 2 3B, 1 HR), 19 runs and eight RBIs in her junior campaign. She had a 7.58 earned-run average with 91 strikeouts in 73 innings in the circle. Peterson, a catcher, hit .397 and recorded a .556 slugging percentage with 25 hits (7 2B, 1 HR), 18 RBIs and one run. Behind the plate, she had a .947 fielding percentage in 131 total chances. Wente, a pitcher/infielder, had a .422 batting average and .547 slugging percentage with 27 hits (6 2B, 1 3B), 14 runs and 11 RBIs. She posted an 11.93 ERA with 31 strikeouts in 41-2/3 innings in the circle.
Alongside Wente and Estling, Laura Larson will see time in the circle. She is a senior pitcher/infielder who pitched 4.1 innings as a junior.
Dorn is also looking toward the remainder of his returning starters to make significant contributions. That includes: senior Taylen Jorgenson (IF) and juniors Natyah Ritter (IF/OF) and Elsie Wiebe (IN/OF).
Wente
Friday, April 5
Game 4:30PM����������������������������Clinton-Graceville-Beardsley
Clinton-Graceville-Beardsley High School
Tuesday, April 9
Game 4:30PMRussell-Tyler-Ruthon
Dawson-Boyd High School
Friday, April 12
Game 4:30PMBenson
Dawson-Boyd High School
Tuesday, April 16
Game 4:30PM��������������������������������������������������������������������������������YME
Yellow Medicine East High School
Thursday, April 18
Game 4:30PM���������������������������������������������Tracy-Milroy-Balaton
Tracy City Softball Complex
Tuesday, April 23
Doubleheader 4:30PM MACCRAY
Dawson-Boyd High School
Thursday, April 25
Game 4:30PMRCW
Dawson-Boyd High School
Tuesday, April 30
Doubleheader 4:30PM Ortonville
Dawson-Boyd High School
Tuesday, May 7
Doubleheader 4:30PM LQPV
Dawson-Boyd High School
Thursday, May 9
Game 4:30PMCanby/Minneota
Saturday, April 27
Tournament 9:00AM�����������������������������������������Multiple Schools Walnut Grove
MURDOCK — Kerkhoven-MurdockSunburg softball enters a new phase this spring.
Eileen ‘Blondie’ Suter stepped down as head coach after coaching the Fighting Saints for 32 seasons. She introduced KMS to softball in 1991 and the team began play in 1992. Suter is eighth in state history with 532 career wins.
Former assistant coach Traci Reimann takes the reins. The goal is to keep up the Fighting Saints’ high standards.
KMS finished 18-6 last season, including a 13-2 record in the Camden Conference, good for second place.
KMS will try to replace a pair of AllArea first teamers in Shakira Olson and Josie Gjerde. Olson earned Class A All-State honors with a .519 average with 42 runs and 25 RBIs. The Camden Conference MVP, Olson is playing softball at Ridgewater College in Willmar. Gjerde hit for a .397 average with 37 runs and 19 stolen bases.
Five starters are back for Reimann and the Fighting Saints.
Kya Oakes is back for her senior
season after earning second team AllArea honors in 2023. Playing at second base last season, Oakes batted for a .375 average with 26 runs and 21 RBIs, striking out just four times.
Along with Oakes, the Fighting Saints have six seniors: Madison Anderson; Olivia Noble; Karlee Danielson; Eben Overcash; and Addysen Hamsted. Anderson pitched for KMS last season while Overcash also saw time on the varsity.
Emily Wagner and Taylor VanHeuveln are also back for the Fighting Saints. Wagner, a junior, hit for a .286 average in eight games last season. Abby Holtkamp and Kaliyah Walker are also juniors on the roster.
VanHeuveln, a sophomore, was one of the team’s top pitchers. She’ll be joined by classmates Faith Duke, Shelbie Anderson and Avery Magaard.
Freshman Emma Garies is also listed on the varsity roster.
Along with Reimann, Courtney Shimek will be a varsity assistant coach. Lexi Swanson will coach the JV and Sadie Sulier will run the junior high team. KMS’ first game is set for April 16 at home against Minneota/Canby.
Tuesday, April 16
Game 4:30PM ��������������������������Minneota/Canby KMS Public Schools - Murdock Campus
Thursday, April 18
Game 4:30PM ���������������������������������������Ortonville KMS Public Schools - Murdock Campus
Saturday, April 20
Tournament TBD ���������������������������Multiple Schools Morris Area High School
Tuesday, April 23
Game 5:00PM ��������������������������������������������������������YME Yellow Medicine East High School
Thursday, April 25
Game 5:00PM ������������������������Tracy-Milroy-Balaton Tracy-Milroy-Balaton High School
Friday, April 26
Game 4:30PM ������������������������������Dassel-Cokato
KMS Public Schools - Murdock Campus
Tuesday, April 30
Game 4:30PM�����������������������������������������������Lakeview Lakeview High School
Tuesday, May 7
Game 4:30PM�������������������������������������������������������� RCW
Renville County West - Danube Campus
Thursday, May 9
Game 4:30PM ����������������������������������������������LQPV
KMS Public Schools - Murdock Campus
Saturday, May 11
Tournament TBD ���������������������������Multiple Schools
Wabasso High School
Tuesday, May 14
Game 4:30PM��������������������������������������Dawson-Boyd Dawson-Boyd
Thursday, May 16
Game 4:30PM �������������������������������������MACCRAY
KMS Public Schools - Murdock Campus
Lac qui Parle Valley sophomore shortstop Brandi Meyer forces an out on Renville County West/BOLD’s Laila Ridler and fires the ball to first base in an attempt to earn a double play on Tuesday, May 16, 2023, at Madison.
LQPV feeling good about its young squad
Eagles have some talented newcomers to build on for ‘24BY MICHAEL LYNE West Central Tribune
MADISON — After graduating a strong senior class that included West Central Tribune All-Area Softball Team members Taylor Shelstad and Rylee Lund, the Lac qui Parle Valley softball team is looking toward a new crop of athletes to have breakout seasons in 2024.“(We will be) young and somewhat unproven, but there is a strong confidence that we will be competitive during the 2024 season,” LQPV thirdyear head coach Scott Sawatzky said. “We have athletic girls, so we feel like we will be solid, defensively and offensively.” Kendyl Shelstad will look to help lead the way for the Eagles. The junior third baseman/pitcher returns as an All-Area Honorable Mention and an All-Camden Conference pick.
Shelstad batted a team-high .439 and had a .579 slugging percentage with 21 runs and 15 RBIs. She was a Co-Offensive MVP for LQPV.
“Kendyl is a wall at third base for us and has the ability to hit for both power and average,” Sawatzky said. “Her softball IQ is strong and we will need her leadership and production this year.”
Sawatzky will also look toward Jalyn Lee, the Eagles’ Rookie of the Year in 2023, to continue to raise her production. She hit .397 and had a .540 slugging percentage as a sophomore first baseman.
“Jalyn has developed into a solid defensive player at first base,” Sawatzky said. “She may have the best instincts of our team while on base and has good speed.”
LQPV: Page 24
Monday, April 8
Game 4:30PM �������������������������� RTR LQPV High School - Softball Field
Friday, April 12
Game 4:30PMMCC MCC Athletic Complex
Tuesday, April 16
Doubleheader 4:30PM Ortonville Ortonville Softball Field
Thursday, April 18
Doubleheader 4:30PM MACCRAY Raymond Softball Field
Monday, April 22
Game 4:30PM ��������������������Benson LQPV High School - Softball Field
Tuesday, April 23
Game 4:30PM ������������������������� RCW
LQPV High School - Softball Field
Thursday, April 25
Game 4:30PMYME Yellow Medicine East Schools
Tuesday, April 30
Game 4:30PM �����������������������TracyMilroy-Balaton
LQPV High School - Softball Field
Thursday, May 2
Game 4:30PM ��������������������ClintonGraceville-Beardsley
LQPV High School - Softball Field
Tuesday, May 7
Doubleheader 4:30PM DawsonBoyd
Dawson Softball Field
Thursday, May 9
Doubleheader 4:30PM KMS
KMS High School
Saturday, May 11
Invitational 9:00AMMultiple Schools
Wabasso, MN
Tuesday, May 14
Game 4:30PM �����������������Lakeview
LQPV High School - Softball Field
Thursday, May 16
Game 4:30PM ����Canby/Minneota
LQPV High School - Softball Field
West
Central TribuneLITCHFIELD — The Litchfield softball team will be in search of filling a handful of roles for the 2024 season.
The Dragons, who were 3-11 in Wright County Conference play a season ago, finished with a 5-17 overall record in 2023. One of their five wins came in the first round of the Section 3AA playoffs in a 13-2 upset victory over AtwaterCosmos-Grove City.
Kristen Roepke, formerly Gotfredson, enters her second season at the helm. She will be assisted by Nick Besemer.
“We have a lot of new players moving up to fill vacant varsity positions,” Roepke said. “I’m looking forward to seeing how these younger girls step up to fill those roles.”
Litchfield returns seven starters to its lineup this spring. Leading the way are its four seniors in utility Isabelle Culbertson, pitcher Caroline Grabow, second baseman Camryn Iverson and left fielder Olivia Olson.
Also returning to the Dragons’ starting lineup is junior shortstop Grace Holmgren and sophomore pitchers Claire Holmgren and Kelsey Palmer.
Freshman Paizli Johnson and sophomore Carmen Lopez will be vying for spots in the Dragons’ starting lineup.
“(Paizli) played junior varsity as an eighth-grader and will be fighting for the starting catching position,” Roepke said. “(Carmen) was a pinch runner last season and is looking to be the starting center fielder this season.”
Litchfield graduated shortstop Olivia Holmgren and first baseman/ catcher Izzy Pennertz from last season. Holmgren was a West Central Tribune All-Area Second Team pick and earned All-Wright County Conference honors and Pennertz was an All-Area Honorable Mention.
The Dragons open up their fresh campaign against Rockford at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, April 11, at Rockford. Litchfield’s home opener is set for 4:30 p.m. Thursday, April 16, against Southwest Christian.
Thursday, April 11
Game 4:30PM………………….Rockford Area Rockford Area High School
Friday, April 12
Game 4:30PM………………….Eden Valley-Watkins Eden Valley-Watkins High School
Monday April 15
Game 4:30PM………………….New London-Spicer New London-Spicer High School
Tuesday, April 16
Game 4:30PM………………….Southwest Christian Litchfield High School Civic Arena Field (West)
Thursday, April 18
Doubleheader 4:00PM………………….Glencoe-Silver Lake
Litchfield High School Civic Arena Field (East)
Monday, April 22
Game 4:30PM………………….Watertown-Mayer Watertown Mayer High School
Thursday, April 25
Monday, April 29
Game 4:30PM………………….Rockford Area
Doubleheader 4:00PM…Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted
Litchfield High School Civic Area Field (East)
Litchfield High School Civic Arena Field (East)
Tuesday, April 30
Game 4:30PM………………….Morris Area
Litchfield High School Civic Arena Field (East)
Thursday, May 2
Doubleheader 4:00PM………………….Dassel-Cokato Dassel-Cokato High School
Monday, May 6
Game 4:00PM………………….New London-Spicer
Litchfield High School Civic Arena Field (East)
Thursday, May 9
Doubleheader 4:00PM………………….Annandale
Annandale Rec Park
Saturday, May 11
Tournament 9:30PM………………….Multiple Schools
Central Park - Victoria Field Roseville, MN
Monday, May 13
Game 4:30PM………………….Watertown-Mayer
Litchfield High School VFW Field
RAYMOND — The bulk of the starting lineup returns for the MACCRAY softball team. And the Wolverines are anxious to climb up the Camden Conference standings.
MACCRAY finished 5-16 last season, including a 5-16 mark in conference play.
“We were very young last year and continue to be comprised mainly of freshmen who played as eighth-graders last year,” said MACCRAY head coach Nancy Thoma, who is in her 47th season. “We are small but pretty quick and have a great work ethic so practices are a lot of fun.
“We have a lot to learn, but they are really enthusiastic and quick to pick up things.”
Among the Wolverines’ returners are a pair of batters who hit for a .300 average. Senior third baseman Greta Meyer finished with a .345 average with nine RBIs. Right behind her is sophomore pitcher/shortstop Reyna Mendoza with a .342 average with six RBIs and 10 stolen bases.
MACCRAY: Page 24
Tuesday, Apr 9 Game 4:30PM………………….BBE Brooten
Tuesday, Apr 16
Game 4:30PM………………….RCW
Raymond Softball Field
Thursday, Apr 18
Doubleheader 4:30PM………………….LQPV
Raymond Softball Field
Tuesday, Apr 23
Doubleheader 4:30PM…………………Dawson-Boyd Dawson-Boyd High School
Saturday, Apr 27
Tournament 9:00AM………………Red Rock Central Walnut Grove
Tuesday, Apr 30
Game 4:30PM………………….YME
Raymond Softball Field
Thursday, May 2
Game 4:30PM……....….Tracy-Milroy-Balaton
Raymond Softball Field
Saturday, May 4
MACCRAY junior Greta Meyer connects with a pitch for a two-run single during a Camden Conference game against YME on Thursday, April 27, 2023 at Granite Falls.
Tribune
Doubleheader 11:00AM………Adrian-Ellsworth
Raymond Softball Field
Thursday, May 9
Doubleheader 4:30PM………………….Lakeview
Raymond Softball Field
Tuesday, May 14
Game 4:30PM………………….Minneota/Canby
Minneota High School
Thursday, May 16
Doubleheader 4:30PM……KMS
KMS Public Schools - Murdock Campus www.maccray.k12.mn.us/ Check the school’s website for an updated events list
Minnewaska softball sophomore pitcher
Mataya Mix throws the ball against Brandon-Evansville on Friday, May 12, 2023, at Glenwood.
Michael Lyne / West Central Tribune
New coach Luke Barkheim inherits a Lakers squad with a lot of experienceBY MICHAEL LYNE West Central Tribune
GLENWOOD — With a new head coach and a boat full of returning starters, the Minnewaska softball team is looking toward better days ahead.
The Lakers, who were 2-10 in the West Central Conference and 2-14 overall, will now be coached by Luke Barkeim. He replaces Jason Weber and will be assisted by Jesse Johnson, Jacalyn Skoglund and Abby Versteeg.
Minnewaska kicks off its 2024 campaign by hosting a West Central Conference doubleheader against Melrose on Thursday, April 4, at Glenwood. The Dutchmen were 9-3 in conference play and 15-6 overall a season ago. Morris/Chokio-Alberta went a 12-0 to win the conference and finished 21-4 overall.
“All returning starters look to build on their past success and lead the team as our culture is rebuilt,” Barkeim said. “(Our) returning starters (comeback) along with a talented group of younger players (freshman and sophomore)
who will play a large role in our team’s success this year.”
The Lakers will be led by its pair of senior returning starters. That is second baseman Ally Mogard and centerfielder Jenna Drewes.
Minnewaska also returns its ace pitcher in Mataya Mix. Lauren Stryhn returns as another junior at first base. Also returning and looking to make impacts for the Lakers are sophomores Emma Poegel (C) and Ella Roering (SS).
Minnewaska’s pair of conference wins from the 2023 season came against Montevideo and Benson. The Lakers won 8-7 in both of those contests.
West Central Area ended Minnewaska’s season last spring. The Knights earned a 12-0 victory in a Section 3AA-North game on May 23, 2023. West Central was 9-3 in the conference and 13-7 overall in 2023.
Minnewaska’s two conference wins last year tied Benson and Montevideo’s totals in the conference. The three teams filled the bottom of the West Central Conference standings.
Thursday, April 4
Doubleheader 4:00PM ����������������������Melrose Area
Minnewaska Area High School
Tuesday, April 9
Game 4:30PM �������������������������������������������������������ACGC
Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City High School
Thursday, April 11
Doubleheader 4:00PM ������������������������������������B�O�L�D� B�O�L�D� High School
Monday, April 15
Game 4:30PM ����������������������������������������������������������YME
Yellow Medicine East High School
Thursday, April 18
Game 5:00PM ����������������Morris Area/Chokio-Alberta Morris Area High School
Saturday, April 20
Tournament 9:00AM ���������������������Multiple Schools
Minnewaska Area High School
Thursday, April 25
Doubleheader 4:00PM ����������������������������Sauk Centre Sauk Centre High School
Tuesday, April 30
Game 4:30PM ��������������������������New London-Spicer Minnewaska Area High School
Thursday, May 2
Doubleheader 4:00PM �������������������������Montevideo Minnewaska Area High School
Tuesday, May 7
Game 5:00PM ������������Morris Area/Chokio-Alberta
Minnewaska Area High School
Thursday, May 9
Doubleheader 4:00PM ��������������West Central Area
Minnewaska Area High School
Tuesday, May 14
Benson High School
Friday, May 17
Doubleheader 4:00PM ������������������������������������Benson
Game 4:30PM �������������������������������������������������Osakis
Minnewaska Area High School
West
Central TribuneMONTEVIDEO — With a cast of hawks back for the 2024 season, the Montevideo softball team is hopeful for a better year ahead.
A season ago, the Thunder Hawks finished 2-10 in the West Central Conference and 2-15 overall. Their two wins came against Minnewaska and Benson.
“We are looking at a lot of growth in experience coming into this season,” said Montevideo fourth-year head coach Maddie Sletta, who will be assisted by Jenn Miller. “The girls are working and meshing really well this preseason and are showing a lot of determination to support the new changes that we have.
“We are looking forward to having a large amount of returning starters lead the team into a successful season.”
At the head of the cast is Lily Eisenlohr. The junior shortstop was a West Central Tribune All-Area Second Team member and an All-West Central Conference pick after hitting .453 with 24 hits, 15 runs, 12 stolen bases and eight RBIs.
“Lily is a returning three-year starter,” Sletta said. “She is a smart, agile player both in the field and at the plate. She continues to grow every year to lead her team.”
The Thunder Hawks look toward Peyton Dack for strong contributions. The sophomore catcher hit .302 and had 61 putouts last spring.
“Peyton is our returning catcher after starting her first year as a freshman,” Sletta said. “She is very knowledgeable and aware of the game. She will be an asset in working with our pitching mix this year.”
Gabby Augeson and Jayla Kinman
will be leaned upon in the circle for Montevideo. Augeson is a sophomore third baseman/pitcher and Kinman is a freshman.
“These two will be leading us on the mound along with a couple other pitchers in our mix for the mound this season,” Sletta said.
Kylieann Johnson has been making a name for herself within the cast of hawks. The sophomore quickly became an asset in Montevideo’s batting order and primarily ran the designated player
position. She batted .440 with eight stolen bases as a freshman.“Kylieann joined the varsity roster part way through the 2023 season,” Sletta said. “Kylieann has been very dedicated in advancing her skills and it will be exciting to see her put it into action this year.”
Also back as returning starters for the Thunder Hawks: seniors Madyson Kling (OF), Raegan Stanley (1B) and Taya Weber (2B); and junior Hallie Helgeson (OF).
Thursday, April 4
Doubleheader 4:00PM ......................B.O.L.D.
Montevideo High School SFB FLD 1 & 2
Monday, April 8
Game 4:30PMHancock Hancock High School
Thursday, April 11
Doubleheader 4:00PM Morris Area/Chokio-Alberta Morris Area School
Friday, April 12
Game 4:30PM ...................................Lakeview
Montevideo High School SFB FLD 1 & 2
Thursday, April 18
Doubleheader 4:00PM ...............Sauk Centre
Montevideo High School SFB FLD 1 & 2
Thursday, April 25
Doubleheader 4:00PM West Central Area WCA Secondary School, Barrett
Monday, April 29
Game 4:30PMMinneota
Minneota High School - Softball Field #1
Thursday, May 2
Doubleheader 4:00PM Minnewaska Area
Minnewaska Area High School
Friday, May 3
Game 4:30PM ...........................................YME
Montevideo High School SFB FLD 1 & 2
Tuesday, May 7
Game 4:00PM Redwood Valley Redwood Valley High School
Thursday, May 9
Doubleheader 4:00PM .......................Benson Montevideo High School SFB FLD 1 & 2
Tuesday, May 14
Doubleheader 4:00PM .............Melrose Area Montevideo High School SFB FLD
PAYNESVILLE — The Paynesville softball team is hoping to have the right mix of talent on the field in 2024.
On one hand, the Bulldogs bring back some experienced talent from last season’s 10-11 squad.
There are four four-year starters back with juniors Kaydence Roeske, Kylie Pauls, Madison McNab and Adrianna Messer.
Paynesville also has a crop of additions in Rayna Spanier, Grace Roberg, Grace Miller and Addie Boogie who hope to push the Bulldogs to a different level.
“There will be a period of figuring out where everyone fits,” said fifth-year head coach Zach Nelson, “but I feel that by the end of the season we will be a very good team.”
Roeske is the Bulldogs’ top returner. The shortstop was a first team West Central Tribune All-Area selection after hitting for a .430 average and .540 on-base percentage with 10 doubles, 30 runs and 21 RBIs. She also had 22 stolen bases while earning All-Central Minnesota Conference and All-Section 6AA nods.
She’s far from the only bright spot in Paynesville’s starting nine.
Pauls finished with a .310 average and 25 runs. McNab won six games at pitcher while also hitting for a .290 average and two home runs. Messer had a pair of pitching wins to go with a .310 average, 30 RBIs and a pair of homers. They hope to lead the charge for a team that was 10-6 in the CMC.
“We return a lot of experience,” Nelson said. “And with the addition of Rayna, Grace Roberg, Grace Miller and Addie, we are looking forward to an exciting season.”
Spanier and Grace Roberg are firstyear players coming over from track and field. Nelson hopes that speed will help on the basepaths and in the field.
Charlotte Vearrier, Katie Good and Kayla Topp also return after playing half of the team’s games last season, Nelson said. Topp hit for a .300 average while Vearrier was at .240 and Good at .230.
The Bulldogs get the season underway on April 9 at Melrose. The CMC opener is April 11 at Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa. The home opener is April 12 against Long Prairie-Grey Eagle.
Tuesday, April 9
Game 5:00PM �����������������������������������������Melrose
Melrose Area High School
Thursday, April 11
Game 4:30PM �������������������������������������������������BBE
Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa Elementary School
Friday, April 12
Game 4:30PM ........Long Prairie-Grey Eagle
Paynesville Area High School
Monday, April 15
Game 4:30PM ...............Eden Valley-Watkins
Paynesville Area High School
Thursday, April 18
Doubleheader 4:00PM ����������������Kimball Area
Kimball Area High School
Saturday, April 20
Tournament 10:00AM ������������Multiple Schools
Morris Area Schools
Monday, April 22
Game 4:30PM ���������������������������������������������ACGC
Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City High School
Thursday, April 25
Doubleheader 4:00PM ...............Holdingford
Paynesville Area High School
Monday, April 29
Game 4:30PM ............................................BBE
Paynesville Area High School
Thursday, May 2
Doubleheader 4:00PM ������������������������Royalton
Royalton High School
Monday, May 6
Game 4:00PM �����������������Eden Valley-Watkins
Eden Valley Elementary School
Tuesday, May 7
Game 4:30PM ������������������������������������������������NL-S
New London-Spicer High School
Thursday, May 9
Doubleheader 4:00PM ................Maple Lake
Paynesville Area High School
Monday, May 13
Game 4:30PM .........................................ACGC
Paynesville
Renville County West/BOLD’s Bre Winzenburg throws the ball to first base against Lac qui Parle Valley on Tuesday, May 16, 2023, at Madison.
Michael Lyne / West Central Tribune
DANUBE — The Renville County West softball team is going independent for the 2024 season following a two-year co-op stint with BOLD.
RCW, which was 14-5 overall and 12-3 in the Camden Conference as RCW/ BOLD last spring, will be coached by Megan Ridler in 2024. Her assistant coaches will be Jeremy Negen and Dean Ehlebracht.
“Coming from a combined team the last few years with BOLD, we have a lot of position changes this year,” Ridler said. “The girls have spent the
early practices reviewing new positions and situations, stepping up and into new roles.”
The Jaguars retain five starters from their RCW/BOLD co-op team a season ago. At the forefront of RCW’s core is a healthy Laila Ridler, who had surgery on a broken thumb.
Ridler, a 5-foot-9 senior catcher, was a West Central Tribune All-Area First Team member in 2023. A starting catcher since her freshman year, she hit for a .397 average and a .603 slugging percentage with 23 hits, 24 RBIs, 23 runs and 14 stolen bases.
RCW: Page 22
Friday, April 5
Game 4:30PM………………….Red Rock Central RCW - Danube Campus
Thursday, April 11
Game 4:30PM………………….Hancock RCW - Danube Campus
Monday, April 15
Game 4:30PM………………….Ortonville RCW - Danube Campus
Tuesday, April 16
Game 4:30PM………………….MACCRAY Raymond
Thursday, April 18
Doubleheader 4:30PM………………….Lakeview RCW - Danube Campus
Tuesday, April 23
Game 4:30PM………………….LQPV Lac Qui Parle Valley High School
Thursday, April 25
Game 4:30PM………………….Dawson-Boyd Dawson-Boyd School
Saturday, April 27
Tournament 9:00AM………………….Multiple Schools Walnut Grove
Tuesday, April 30
Doubleheader 4:30PM…………………Minneota/Canby RCW - Danube Campus
Thursday, May 2
Game 4:30PM………………….Heron Lake-Okabena Heron Lake
Tuesday, May 7
Game 4:30PM………………….KMS RCW - Danube Campus
Monday, May 13
Game 4:30PM………………….Benson Benson High School
Tuesday, May 14
Doubleheader 4:30PM………………….YME Yellow Medicine East School
Thursday, May 16
Doubleheader 4:30PM……………….Tracy-Milroy-Balaton Tracy High School Check
From Page 21
“Laila is back better than ever ready for her final season,” Ridler said. “She is a leader.”
Also back as returning starters are Hannah Savig, Bre Winzenburg, Mackenna Hinderks and Hope Hendricks.
Savig, a 5-3 senior pitcher/ centerfielder, recorded a .245 batting average with 12 hits, 16 RBIs and 10 stolen bases. Winzenburg, a 5-3 senior second/third baseman, batted .309 with 17 hits, 19 RBIs and 17 stolen bases. Hinderks, a 5-8 freshman pitcher/ left fielder, had a 2-0 record in the circle with 16 strikeouts in 13 innings. Hendricks is a 5-8 junior outfielder. More players to watch are sophomores Ella Gustafson, Shelby Allex and Madalyn Engstrom.
“These three work very hard to improve everyday,” Ridler said. “These sophomores are playing big roles for our team in both the field and the lineup.”
Others looking to make an impact are senior Sophie Geer and sophomore Kalleigh Wertish.
“We have a lot of younger classmen girls that were not starters last year playing a big role this year on defense,” Ridler said.
GRANITE FALLS — Bayli Sneller returns for the Yellow Medicine East softball team as its youth looks to continue to gain valuable experience and build off its past.
Sneller returns as the Sting’s ace in the circle. The sophomore pitcher recorded a 2.60 earned-run average and struck out 178 batters in 104-2/3 innings.
Sneller, a West Central All-Area First Team selection last season, was also YME’s lead-off hitter. She batted a teambest .365 at the plate.
Sneller’s impressive freshman campaign led the Sting to an 11-12 overall record. YME was 6-9 in the Camden Conference.
Sneller is one of five returning starters for the Sting. All of them return as lowerclassmen.
There are three more sophomore returnees to the field in shortstop/
catcher Alana Almich, centerfielder Ella Cherveny and second baseman/pitcher Abbie Winter.
Kourtney Peterson, a freshman left fielder, also returns.
“Kourtney had one error last season and was quick to get under the ball and get it back into play,” said YME long-time head coach Jen Sneller. “She will be looked at to lead the outfielders this season.”
Riley Haar, a junior who saw limited defensive innings last season, will look to fill a full-time position this spring, according to Jen Sneller.
The Sting’s assistant coaches are Angela Winter, Kristi Klassen and Lauren McCosh.
YME opens up its 2024 season with a three-game homestand. The Sting host Benson on April 9, Minnewaska on April 15 and Dawson-Boyd on April 16. All three games are scheduled for 4:30 p.m. at Granite Falls.
Tuesday, April 9
Game 4:30PM………………….Benson YME High School
Monday, April 15
Game 4:30PM………………….Minnewaska Area YME High School
Tuesday, April 16
Game 4:30PM………………….Dawson-Boyd YME High School
Thursday, April 18
Game 4:30PM………………….Minneota/Canby Minneota High School
Tuesday, April 23
Game 4:30PM………………….KMS YME High School
Thursday, April 25
Game 4:30PM………………….LQPV YME High School
Saturday, April 27
Tournament 9:00AM………………….Multiple Schools Westbrook-Walnut Grove School
Monday, April 29
Game 4:30PM………………….Russell-Tyler-Ruthton YME High School
Tuesday, April 30
Game 4:30PM………………….MACCRAY MACCRAY - Raymond Field
Friday, May 3
Game 4:30PM………………….Montevideo Montevideo High School
Tuesday, May 7
Game 4:30PM………………….Lakeview Lakeview High School
Thursday, May 9
Game 4:30PM………………….Tracy-Milroy-Balaton Tracy High School
Tuesday, May 14
Game 4:30PM………………….RCW YME High School
Thursday, May 16
Game 4:30PM………………….Ortonville YME High School
Schedule sponsored by:
From Page 15
Sawatzky is bracing for a breakout year from junior shortstop Brandi Meyer. She had a .258 batting average in her sophomore season.
“I believe Brandi is on the brink of a breakout season,” Sawatzky said. “She has great range defensively, has nice pop in her bat, has speed on the bases and is a natural athlete. We are anticipating big things from her.”
Sawatzky is also looking toward the
likes of juniors Kayla Jahn (2B) and Val Piotter (P/OF) to have big first years as upperclassmen.
“I am anticipating big things from Kayla this season as well,” Sawatzky said. “We are counting on Val for a breakout campaign.”
LQPV, which was 10-5 in the Camden Conference and 12-9 overall in 2023, also returns senior starting catcher/ outfielder/pitcher Claire Borstad.
Sawatzky will be assisted by Johnnie Garibay, Sydney Gerdes, Ryan Gronholz, Lindsay Kranz, Ryan Lee and Tanner Picht.
MACCRAY junior shortstop Erika Pieper throws the ball to first base against Benson in a Section 3A-North tournament matchup on Tuesday, May 23, 2023 at
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Tayte Nokleby is another returning senior. Playing catcher, Nokleby hit for a .283 average with four RBIs in 2023. Junior Regan Aker returns to play in the outfield as well as pitch.
The underclassmen make up the bulk of MACCRAY’s lineup.
May
Mendoza and outfielder/first baseman Breanna Dirksen are returning sophomores. Three freshmen — outfielder/catcher Emersyn Pederson, infielder Iliana
Bautista and center fielder/first baseman Leia Colby — are also back. Bautista hit .250 with three RBIs while Pederson had four RBIs. For players to look out for, Thoma mentioned four freshmen in infielder/ outfielder Ava Janssen, pitcher/ infielder Eva Swenson, infielder Haven Osterfeld and pitcher/infielder Sadie Koenen. Eighth grader Ellie Bosch will also vie for time at catcher.
MACCRAY opens the season with a Camden doubleheader on April 2 at Ortonville. The home opener is April 16 against Renville County West.