“We bring back six starters from last year who gained valuable experience last season,” said Coach Schindler.  “Our overall team speed and athleticism is very good.  Offensively, we will be able to score runs, but we will need t continue to improve on defense to give ourselves a chance.”

Returning starters included Sam Passa (JR, 2B), Trinity Gregg (SO, P), Lexi Bolgrean (SO, SS), Anna Stanford (SO, OF), Katie Newell (SO, OF), Lauren Halverson (SO, P/1B), Hallie Redding (JR, 3B/C) and Kiana Amundson (SO, C).  Passa and Gregg will serve as team captains.

Key newcomers will be Kailey Olson (FR, P/OF) and Jaida Bontjes (FR, 1B/3B).

“We will need our pitching to be more consistent and not give up free bases,” added Schindler.  “Last year we hurt ourselves too much.  This is a tight knit group of girls who play together in volleyball and basketball.  They are an unselfish group that have a lot of potential.”

Alison Willers, Madi Abarr, Nikki Gregg, Maddie Spilde, Ann Halverson and Sydney Honek will serve as assistants.

Schindler says DGF and Hawley are Heart O’ Lakes Conference favorites, while the Rebels and Nuggets are joined by Thief River Falls and Park Rapids Area as the top teams in Section 8AA.