“We’re asking our girls to fill some pretty good shoes, but I think they are up to the challenge,” coach Mandy Haberlin said. “We’re looking at a utility team with players that we can move to various positions.”
Senior catcher Kaitlyn Thomas will play a key role along with top returnees in shortstop Dej Denison (.297 best among returnees), second baseman Kaitlyn Korth, first baseman Makiah Thomas (.273) and ace pitcher Alyssa Neece (3-2, 2.83 ERA) with backup from soph Katie Creager.
Thomas is joined by seniors Halie Boyce and Makayla Wampler on a junior-dominated squad. Soph Arianna Winters will be in left field.
“We have some girls with speed, some with a short game and some that can put the ball in the outfield,” Haberlin said. “We’re hoping to mix it up at the plate and keep the defense on their toes. We want our girls to go up to the plate ready to attack every pitch.”