
“The girls understand that tradition, and they want to keep it going,” second-year coach Kevin Schmidt said. “The team chemistry is good. We have increased our team speed so we can play more small-ball, but we also have lots of power.”
Junior shortstop Kimmie Kuehr (.589, 53 hits), sophomore first baseman Katie Hopkins (.465, 33 hits), senior Baily Snow (.352, 31 hits) and senior pitcher/first baseman Blakelee Steeb (.316, 13-4, 3.14 ERA) give the Saints power. Junior Elise Sombke (six stolen bases) returns to center field, and sophomore Haley Sylvester (.262) is behind the plate.
The Saints hit .360 last year and don’t expect any letup with newcomer Stormy Bonds, sophomore Darianne Snyder and outfielders Riley Morris and Ellie Holwager.
“We’re the only 1A team in Marion County, so our tough schedule really prepares us for the sectional and beyond,” Schmidt said. “We may look young but we have a lot of girls who have played travel ball.”