Lutheran seniors are, from left, Miranda Dunn who had 30 hits last year, outfielder Hailey Black and multiple-sport outfielder Rylee Morris.
LUTHERAN (1A, 12-16) – Captured 13th consecutive sectional last year … 5.6 runs per game, but only hit .291 … pitching & timely hitting to improve … most starters return for coach Kevin Schmidt … young team but do not be deceived … multisport athlete Rylee Morris in leftfield, pitcher-infielder Miranda Dunn (.353, 30 hits, 22 RBI) & outfielder Hailey Black only seniors … luxury of left-handed hitting trio with shortstop Gabby ”Goose” Moore (37 hits, 12 stolen bases), outfielder Kayla Dillinger (.319, 29 hits) & pitcher-1st-baseman Danielle Steward … juniors pitcher Kaylee Gregory (.311, 28 hits) & infielders Emily Streib & Katelyn Campbell return … strong youth movement with sophs Quinn Johnson, an all-position player, rightfielder Kerri Selzer & promising freshmen Paige Mielke, Kathryn Gardner, Bekah Caston & Alyssa Taylor … Saints can surprise.
Coach’s comments: “The experience from last year should help us win games this year that we gave away last year with inexperience and mistakes. Both pitchers we had last year were new at Lutheran. Some of the experience will help us in getting more timely hits and coming through for their teammates. Of our 15-player roster, I have 10 girls who play travel softball. That will help us fill voids and play multiple spots. We have some triple threats at the plate, so we can mix it up. We have some competitive kids, so everybody’s game should improve. My expectations are high for this group.”
Coach’s comments: “The experience from last year should help us win games this year that we gave away last year with inexperience and mistakes. Both pitchers we had last year were new at Lutheran. Some of the experience will help us in getting more timely hits and coming through for their teammates. Of our 15-player roster, I have 10 girls who play travel softball. That will help us fill voids and play multiple spots. We have some triple threats at the plate, so we can mix it up. We have some competitive kids, so everybody’s game should improve. My expectations are high for this group.”
Among the key returning players at Lutheran are, from left, junior infielder Emily Streib, sophomore centerfielder Kayla Dillinger, junior shortstop Gabby “Goose” Moore and infielder Kaylee Gregory.
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