Head Coach Jessie Anderson is fielding a good group of fast pitch players this spring but says they have a giant hole to fill on the mound.
“We were hit hard when Sarissa Falk decided to run track instead of play softball,” said Anderson. “Sarissa was our best pitcher but I understand her decision. She said she wants to run track in college, so that’s what she is going to do this spring.”
But while Falk’s decision leaves a hole, it also leaves an opportunity.
And the cupboard isn’t bare; there are some fine returning players from last year’s squad and a great group of eighth-grade girls out who will be difference-makers once they get some experience.
Overall the line-up should be pretty balanced. Two seniors, Megan Lehto and Rachel Wieben, and two juniors, Abbey Sutton and Sarah Deschampe, should make up the outfield.
Infielders include freshman Madison Roy at catcher; Katie VanderHeiden, senior, at first base; Cecilia Schnobrich, senior, at shortstop; junior Anna Carman at catcher; junior Megan Lehto at third base; and senior Alexis Eliasen at second base.
Players will switch positions depending upon who will pitch, and some of the younger players may show some talent for throwing strikes.
It will be hard to assess just how the team will play until they get outside. Currently practice has been conducted indoors in the gym while outside the cold and ice slowly loses its grip on the Northland. Catching grounders off a smooth gym floor is altogether different than catching a hard-hit grounder off outfield/infield grass and dirt, but for now the gym will have to do.
Last year’s squad posted a 6-10 record in the alwaystough Polar League, finishing sixth overall. If the defense is solid and their bats come alive, this year’s squad could match or beat that record. Only time will tell.
The first game is scheduled to be played at McGregor on April 9 and it might be the first time the kids get to play outside. Cromwell comes to Grand Marais two days later on the 11th with the game scheduled to begin at 3:30 p.m. Hopefully the snow will be gone and the field ready to play on.
Just who will pitch is still a mystery. But one thing for sure, a great opportunity is open for at least a couple of the players, whether they are seniors or in junior high, if they can throw strikes they will get to play, and play a lot.
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