“We should be able to put the ball in play,” coach Kevin Schmidt said. “I’m a little nervous about the bats because our younger players
The Saints lost pitcher Blakelee Steeb (9-8, 3.57 ERA) to graduation but will rotate seniors Bailey Snow (2-1, 3.32 ERA) and Kimmie Kuehr (nine innings). Kuehr is a vocal leader, upbeat, “softball smart,” and will hit third (.500, 38 hits, 27 RBIs), and Snow is a location pitcher who hit .373 last year.
More hits are expected from junior infielders Stormy Bonds (.382, 11 doubles) and Katie Hopkins (.326) plus catcher Chaylei Seel (.364) and outfielder Ellie Holwager (.348). More punch comes from returning outfielders Elise Sombke and Rylee Morris and newcomers in catcher Gabby Moore, infielder Emily Streib and Randi Zulkowski.
The Saints hit a phenomenal .352 and averaged 5.8 runs per game last year.
“We were a young team last year, so hopefully what we learned will benefit us this season,” Schmidt said. “I would look for us to compete for the conference championship.”