Spring Sports Preview 2014 by Austin Daily Herald

Cover story

Page 3

Carolyn Hackel has reached the Minnesota State Track Meet two years running, but never cracked the preliminaries. This year, the sprinter has plans to do much more.

Schools

Austin, Pages 4-10 Austin Packers baseball, softball, track, golf and tennis

Features 5 to watch

Hayfield, Pages 12-13

Think Y-M-C-Whey

Hayfield Vikings baseball, softball, track and golf

Treating blisters

GMLOS, Pages 14-15*

State Tournament HQ

The top five storylines of 2014 Page 8

Registered dietitian Jen Haugen explores the importance of protein to fuel athletes. Page 10 Kris Dutton, A.T.R., A.T.C., explains how to treat and care for blisters. Page 11

Dates and locations of all of Minnesota state tournaments for 2014. Page 11

Schedules

Minnesota Twins Page 15 Riverland baseball and softball Page 21 Minnesota Gopher baseball and softball Page 24

GMLOS track, GMLOK baseball and softball, GMLO golf

Southland, Pages 16-17 Southland baseball and softball

Lyle-Pacelli, Pages 18-20 Lyle-Pacelli baseball, softball, track and golf

Blooming Prairie, Pages 22-23 Blooming Prairie baseball, softball, track and golf

* Denotes cooperative program with Kingsland

LPâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Abigail Bollingberg takes some time on the batting tee during practice at Lyle High School. Bollingberg is one of 10 LP girls returning to the softball diamond. Herald file photo

FRIDAY, APRIL 11, 2014

SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW - AUSTIN DAILY HERALD

In The Crosshairs Austin sprinter Carolyn Hackel has run in the state meet two years in a row. This year she’s aiming for more

Story by Rocky Hulne

ustin junior Carolyn Hackel stays plenty busy with sports, but she’s definitely not burnt out when spring rolls around. After competing in soccer in the fall and gymnastics in the winter, Hackel has still managed to make it to the last two Minnesota State Track and Field Meet as a sprinter in the 100and 200-meter dashes. This year, she’s setting her sights beyond just getting to state. She wants to take it a step further. “My goal this year is to place at state,” Hackel said. “It won’t be easy, but it’s kind of a little challenge I have with myself so I can push myself to the point where I can place.”

“My goal this year is to place at state. It won’t be easy, but it’s kind of a little challenge I have with myself so I can push myself to the point where I can place.” — Carolyn Hackel Hackel took one week off after the state gymnastics meet and then got back to her sprinting training. She focused on her endurance, muscle strength and explosiveness as she prepared for this season.

> HACKEL continues on 4

AUSTIN DAILY HERALD - SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW

FRIDAY, APRIL 11, 2014

Numbers and youth Kendall Hackensmith is one of a group of athletes that will give the Packers a boost in the hurdles and sprints. Herald file photo

With plenty of girls to fill events, the Packers will lean on just three seniors The Austin girls track and field team will be high on numbers, but has just three seniors on the team. The Packers, who have at least 50 athletes on the team, are hoping to grow as the season goes along. “We’ve got a really young squad,” Austin head coach Nancy Jones said. “We’ll see what happens as the season progresses. As they get more experience, we’ll get better.” Austin junior Carolyn Hackel has run in the state meet in the 100-meter and 200-meter dashes the past two seasons, but she’s the only Packer with state expe-Madison Overby rience. Jones said that sophomore Madison Overby will give the team a lift in distance running. Overby has state meet experience in cross country, but not in track and field. “I’m really excited. It’s a different atmosphere with a lot of athletes, but I think it’s a good one,” Overby said. “We have a lot of new people out and I think a lot of them are going to be able to contribute to the team.” Austin junior Kendall Hackensmith, sophomore Rachel Quandt and freshman Paige Raymond will give the team a boost in the hurdles and freshman Amber Hansen was the team’s top thrower in shot put last season. The Packers are hosting the Big Nine meet this year, and Jones is hoping for a good showing from her team. “We’re going to try and score in every event in the conference meet,” Jones said.

“It’s a different atmosphere with a lot of athletes, but I think it’s a good one.”

Schedule

April 17 ............................................................................Austin Invite, 4:30 p.m. April 22........................................................at Rochester Mayo, 4:30 p.m. April 24.................................................................... at Stewartville, 4 p.m. April 26..................................................................................Austin Invite, 10 a.m. April 29..................................................... at Rochester Century, 4:30 p.m. May 1................................................................... at Mankato East, 4 p.m. May 6..............................at Section 1AA ‘true team’ meet in Winona, TBA May 13...........................................................at Mankato West, 4:30 p.m. May 23............................................................Big Nine meet, Austin, 10:30 a.m.

Hackel: A quick start From Page 3 “I’ve been really determined this season,” Hackel said. “I took like a week off this year and that was enough for me. I can’t really go too long without doing something and sitting at home gets kind of boring.” Hackel holds the AHS school record in the 100-meter dash and was close to breaking the record in the 200-meter dash her freshman year. She wasn’t quite as fast her sophomore year as she was in her freshman year, but that may have had something to do with the weather-shortened season every spring athlete experienced last year. Hackel is making sure she’s ready for this year, no matter what weather conditions lie ahead. “You can’t come into the season at zero percent and expect to be the best you can be by the section meet,” Hackel said. “You’ve got to come in before the season, so that by the time of the beginning of the season you can be where you want and you can go from there.”

HACKEL AT STATE MEET

2013: Hackel was 20th in the 100-meter dash prelims with a time of 12.78 seconds and was 11th in the 200-meter dash prelims with a time of 26.01 seconds. 2012: Hackel was 10th in the 100-meter dash preliminaries with a time of 12.45 seconds and was 12th in the 200-meter freestyle preliminaries with a time of 25.77 seconds.

HACKEL AT BIG NINE MEET

2013: Hackel was second in the 100-meter dash with a time of 13.11 seconds and was first in the 200-meter dash with a time of 26.68 seconds. 2012: Hackel won Big Nine titles in the 100 and 200-meter dash.

•Home meets in bold

FRIDAY, APRIL 11, 2014

SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW - AUSTIN DAILY HERALD

Striking the right tone Packer boys setting sights on the future with a year of building in 2014

The Austin boys track and field team is hoping to set the tone for the future this season. The Packers have a whole lot of youth on this year’s squad, but there are some leaders on the roster to show the way. Austin will lean on seniors Ryan Synoground, Gabe Gerstner, Andrew Baker and Andrew Hagan to guide a roster that has a lot of several underclassmen. “We’ve got a fairly young team this year and it’s kind of a rebuilding year,” Synoground said. “We’re going to work harder than we did any year before and our focus is going 100 percent all of the time. Gabe Gersnter and I have to lead the way this year, and I think the future is bright for the Packer track team.” Hagan is one of the conference’s better shot put and discus throwers, but as a team,

Schedule

April 17............................At Faribault, 4:30 p.m. April 22.............................At Winona, 4:30 p.m. April 24......................... At Stewartville, 4 p.m. April 26.....................................Austin Invite, 10 a.m. April 29.............At Rochester Century, 4:30 p.m.

AUSTIN DAILY HERALD - SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW

the Packers will likely be aiming to finish in the middle of the pack in the Big Nine this spring. “We’ve got a lot of new faces. It seems to be a trend right now,” Austin head coach Tony Einertson said. “We tend to be young a lot. Hopefully we can keep this group of freshman and sophomores that we have. It’s physically maturing at this point. They’ve got to mature physically and some of them are getting there with the weight lifting they’ve done in the offseason.” The Packers have a strong trio of sophomore athletes in Zach Coffey, John Gallagher and Devin Klapperick. Einertson is pleased with what his upperclassmen have brought to the team so far. “We’ve got good leadership. They’ve done a nice job pulling guys along in practice and in the offseason,” he said.

May 1............................At Mankato East, 4 p.m. May 6.........................................At Section 1AA True Team Meet in Winona, TBA May 13.....................at Mankato West, 4:30 p.m. May 23....................Big Nine meet, Austin, 10:30 a.m. •Home meets in bold

Austin’s Zach Coffey clears the bar in the high jump during the Austin Invite last year. Coffey is part of a young group of competitors hoping to make a mark in 2014. Herald file photo

FRIDAY, APRIL 11, 2014

A fundamentally complete squad

The Packers are regaining their focus with a new vision and a new coach

The Packers are coming into the 2014 season with a new head coach and a new sense of focus as they look to improve on last year’s 8-12 record. Austin lost four games by one run last year and they’re hoping to change that this spring. “We’ve lost a lot of one-run games in the past and that has to do with our lack of focus,” Austin senior pitcher Jacob Kempen said. “We want to be on the winning end of those one-run games by making routine plays.” Austin head coach Chris Gogolewski wants his squad to focus on playing mistake-free baseball. He wants to eliminate errors and keep the game as simple as possible. “My first goal is to make sure that we are fundamentally sound,” Gogolewski said. “We want to have a very respectable fielding position and we limit our games to three outs per inning. We’re not here to play baseball, we’re here to compete against teams in the Big Nine.” Gogolewski came into this season without knowing hardly any of his players and he thinks that has helped him judge the squad with an unbiased eye. He said every spot was wide open when practice began, and the players responded positively. “There’s a lot of excitement and a lot of getting after it,” Gogolewski said. “The way we’re doing things is completely different than the way they used to do it.” Austin senior Ethan Horstmann said he likes what Gogolewski has brought to the table as a head coach. “Bringing in a new coach was probably one of the best

Schedule

April 8........vs. Albert Lea, 5 p.m.(postponed) April 10.............at Mankato West, 5 p.m. April 15........at Mankato East, 6:30 p.m. April 17..............................vs.Winona, 5 p.m. April 19........at Rochester Mayo, 1 p.m. April 22.................at Owatonna, 5 p.m. April 24...........................vs. Rochester Century (DH), 4 p.m. April 29...............at Albert Lea, 5 p.m.

things that we’ve experienced,” Horstmann said. “It’s a lot more organized than it was last year and it feels like we’re a lot more of a team.” One thing the Packers will probably have to deal with this season is pitching on short rest. With the season likely off to a late start, Austin may have to play a lot of its games in a short period of time. Gogolewski likes what he has in his first four pitchers. “I think I’ve got a good four that I can count on to give the ball to at any time,” he said. “Once we create a routine and a rotation the guys will know what to expect and when to be ready.” All five of the team’s seniors have stepped up as leaders early on. Juniors Isaac Schumacher and Shane Johannsen have also stepped up. Gogolewski made it clear that he wants his team to practice with a purpose. “For us being inside at practice for a long time, they haven’t complained,” Gogolewski said. “If they’re not complaining, they’re still working. When we start complaining we have excuses for losing. Our focus this year is we practice to eliminate reasons for losing.”

May 1...................vs. Mankato West, 5 p.m. May 6.....................vs. Mankato East, 5 p.m. May 8.........................at Winona, 5 p.m. May 10..............vs. Rochester Mayo, 11 a.m. May 13.........................vs. Owatonna, 5 p.m. May 15.............at Faribault (DH), 4 p.m. May 17....................................vs. Rochester John Marshall (DH), 4 p.m. May 19..................at Northfield, 5 p.m.

Austin’s Nik Gasner delivers against Winona last season. Gasner is one of four pitchers the Packers will come to rely on this year. Herald file photo

•Home games in bold

FRIDAY, APRIL 11, 2014

SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW - AUSTIN DAILY HERALD

Developing a gameplan Packers will need to organize a short game and figure out how to win the close contests

The Packer softball team knows exactly what it has to do to improve on last year’s 8-11 record. Austin must be able to come up with some big hits and it needs to learn to win close games. The Packers struggled with scoring runs last season and that’s been a top priority for the team as it prepares for this season with a lot of returners in the lineup. “We really need to develop our hitting and we need to develop our short game,” Austin head coach Cindy Owen said. “We need to make things happen and not just wait for things to happen. We’re going to be more aggressive on the bases.” The Packers will bring back senior pitcher Abbey Ball, who had an ERA of 3.47 and hit .344 last Year. The team will also look to junior catcher Sydney Murphy, who hit .397 last year, and sophomore shortstop Shay“We really need to develop our hitting and ley Vesel, who hit .338. we need to develop our short-game.” “We’re a young team this year. We’re going to rebuild -Cindy Owen, head coach and hopefully we create a foundation where they can be strong for the next couple of years,” Ball said. “We’ve got to get our bats going and we’ve got to play solid defense. We lost a lot of low scoring games last year and we want to put some runs on the board.” Owen said that senior Erin Dankert should play in the outfield and Abby Bickler and McKenna Gleisner will battle for second base, but a lot of the other spots are wide open. “Having a year under my belt has really eased my mind a bit and I really know what direction I want this team to go,” Owen said. “I know the girls a little better and I know I can push them a little harder this year.”

Schedule

Austin pitcher Abbey Ball will handle the lion’s share of the Packers’ pitching this year, but she is also coming off a strong year at the plate. INLAY: Shortstop Shayley Vesel will anchor the infield as well as add another strong bat to the order. Herald file photo AUSTIN DAILY HERALD - SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW

April 10.................At Mankato West, 5 p.m. April 11.....vs. Rochester John Marshall, 5 p.m. April 12......At Roch. Century (DH), 3:30 p.m. April 14.....................................vs.Winona, 5 p.m. April 22...............At Rochester Mayo, 5 p.m. April 24................................vs. Faribault, 5 p.m. April 25...........................Austin Elks Invite, TBA April 26...........................Austin Elks Invite, TBA April 29........at Roch. John Marshall, 5 p.m. May 1....................at Albert Lea (DH), 4 p.m. May 6.........................vs Mankato West, 5 p.m. May 8........................vs Mankato East, 5 p.m. May 13.............................at Winona, 5 p.m. May 15......................vs. Rochester Mayo, 5 p.m. May 17............at Owatonna (DH) at 4 p.m. •Home games in bold

FRIDAY, APRIL 11, 2014

Packers looking for improvement The Packer boys tennis team is hoping for improvements as it prepares for the upcoming season. Austin graduated lost five players from last year’s team that finished eighth in the Big Nine Conference, and it’s hoping for a pair of seniors and a big group of juniors to lead the way. “We want to improve on last season,” said Austin head coach Troy Diekman, who is in his second year at the helm. “We want to realistically win a few more matches than we did last year and we can do it.” The Packers have some young, determined athletes according to Diekman. But he’d like to see his players stay a little more active in tennis during the offseason. The Packers have seven players with varsity experience and that should help the team fill the spots that need to be reloaded. This will be the third year in a row that Ellis Middle School does not have a tennis team and Diekman is hoping that will change soon. “I’m really encouraging anyone at Holton and Ellis to begin playing,” he said. “If we don’t have young players learning and developing at that level we spent the time at the high school level teaching what could have already been set in place.”

To Watch

Five of the top stories to watch as the 2014 spring sports season unwinds

FRIDAY, APRIL 11, 2014

Austin’s No. 1 singles player Colton Detwiler eyes a shot against Faribault last season at Paulson Courts. Herald file photo

Schedule

April 10..................vs. Albert Lea, 4:30 p.m. April 14...................vs. Fairmont, 4:30 p.m. April 15...at Mankato West, 4:30 p.m. April 17................vs. Roch. Century, 4:30 p.m. April 22.....at Mankato East, 4:30 p.m. April 24.......................vs. Winona, 4:30 p.m. April 26........at Lakeville South, 9 a.m.

A New Direction

The Austin baseball team is turning to a new head coach in Chris Gogolewski, who used to play minor league baseball in the Texas Rangers organization. Gogloewski wants his team to focus on playing mistake-free and clean baseball. If the Packers can do that, they will be on the right track to turning the program around.

Don’t count them out

The Awesome Blossoms softball team may have graduated its pitcher, catcher and shortstop from its team that won the Class A state championship last season, but that doesn’t mean Blooming Prairie is calling this a rebuilding year. The Blossoms still have their hopes set high as they have plenty of good athletes on defense and a solid lineup that can produce runs.

Rebel Rally?

The Southland baseball team has lost in the Section 1A title

April 28...................vs. Northfield, 4:30 p.m. April 29.......at Roch. Mayo, 4:30 p.m. May 1............at Owatonna, 4:30 p.m. May 6.......................vs. Faribault, 4:30 p.m. May 8.......at Rochester JM, 4:30 p.m. May 19.....................at Big Nine meet in Rochester, 9 a.m. •Home games in bold

game in the past two seasons and many of this year’s players were on both of those teams. This time around, the Rebels want to finally get over the hump and get back to the Class A state tournament for the first time since 2010.

Bringing it back

Lyle-Pacelli has not put out a varsity softball team since 2010, but the Athletics are bringing the sport back this spring. Although the squad is small on numbers and experience, it could make a big impact for LP if it can stay competitive and increase interest in the sport this spring.

The Vikings turn?

While Blooming Prairie has won the last four Section 1A softball tittles, the Hayfield softball team has what it takes to give the Awesome Blossoms a run for the money this year. The Vikings have a lot of firepower on offense and they bring back seven starters from last year’s team that bowed out to BP in the Section 1A title game. SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW - AUSTIN DAILY HERALD

o t h n c i a o d c a e w h e s n r e h k t c wi a P 14 20 Matt Raso takes over as boys head coach Most people around Austin know Matt Raso for his impact on the baseball field. The 1999 grad grew up playing baseball with the Packers and he’s been a fixture at catcher for the Austin Greyhounds for a long time now. But Raso, who was an assistant baseball coach for seven years, is about to use his other hobby to try and help out the Packers this spring. Raso is taking over as the Austin boys head golf coach, and he’s pretty optimistic with how things are going after just a couple of weeks on the job. “It feels good to be back. I want to help the kids in the community,” Raso said. “I’m here to do a good job and try to win some Big Nine titles and eventually develop a program that has some kids involved.” Raso didn’t even try golfing until he was 19 -years-old when he started working at Ramsey Golf Course. Eventually Raso found himself playing eight rounds a week it wasn’t long before he was making golf his “other” summer past-time. “If anyone has golfed, they know when they get hooked,” Raso said. “It becomes more of an obses-

sion. I focused on two swings for the last 13 summers: my baseball swing and my golf swing.” Raso started off shooting in the high 80s and low 90s and now he shoots in the mid70s with a three-handicap. Learning golf from scratch has given Raso solid insight on what it takes for a player to develop their game. “Everyone’s not good when they start playing golf. If you don’t put the work in, you’re not going to get anything out of it,” Raso said. “It just takes that one solid shot to keep you coming back. You can play terrible all day and if you hit a solid shot on one of your last shots, you’ll want to come back and play. It’s kind of a teaser.” Raso wants to eventually build a solid golf program, and he’d like to have some camps in the summer for his team. This year’s team has nine freshman on the team and it will be led by senior Tony Baudler and sophomore James Snee. “I just like helping kids out and I want them to enjoy golf. It’s something you can play until your 80,” Raso said. “You don’t see as many kids playing anymore. I’ve got to try and make if fun and enjoyable for these guys and at the same time make it competitive.”

Austin’s Tony Baudler watches his tee-shot off No. 1 last year at Austin Country Club. Herald file photo

“I’m here to do good job and try to win some Big Nine titles and eventually develop a program has some kids involved.” -Matt Raso, boys head coach

Schedule

April 8................................................................................................................................................................vs. Mankato West, 2:30 p.m. April 17...............................................................................................................................................................vs. Mankato East, 2:30 p.m. April 23.................................................................................................................................at Rochester Century, 1 p.m. April 24............................................................................................................................................at Faribault, 3:30 p.m. April 29.............................................................................................................................at Rochester Mayo, 2:30 p.m. May 1..................................................................................................................................................at Northfield, 2 p.m. May 8............................................................................................................................................at Albert Lea, 2:30 p.m. May 13...................................................................................................................................................................................Austin Invite, 2:30 p.m. May 23......................................................................................................................at Big Nine meet in Mankato, 9 a.m.

•Home games in bold

AUSTIN DAILY HERALD - SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW

FRIDAY, APRIL 11, 2014

Girls golf team finds its head coach Ryan Wiechmann may have gotten a late start with his new team, but he is ready to make an impact on the program as he takes over as head girls golf coach at Austin. Wiechmann took over as head coach around the time team practice was starting due to a late vacancy in the position. Now that he’s on board, Wiechmann is hoping to build a strong program. The Packers had just four golfers on the team to start this season. “I want to compete and I know the girls do too,” Wiechmann said. “If they put in the work like they have already, there’s no doubt that they’re just going to get better.” Wiechmann, a 1999 Lyle High School grad, has experience coaching as an assistant for the Riverland Community College men’s and women’s basketball teams. He also has expe-

“I want to compete and I know the girls do too. If they put in the work like they have already, there’s no doubt that they’re just going to get better.”

Schedule

April 8..........................................................................................at Mankato West, 2:30 p.m. April 12..................................................................................................at Hayfield, 2:30 p.m. April 17...............................................................................at Rochester Century, 12:30 p.m. April 18..............................................................................................at Mankato East, 3 p.m. April 24......................................................................................................................vs. Faribault, 2:30 p.m. April 25...................................................................................................at New Prague, TBA

-Ryan Wiechmann, Packers girls golf coach

rience giving private and group golf lessons. When he saw the Austin job was available, he didn’t hesitate to apply for it. “I’ve always loved golf. Ever since I picked up a club I was addicted,” Wiechmann aid. “Growing up playing golf, combined with my love of coaching made it seem like a good fit. The position opened up and I jumped all over it.” While his numbers are low this season, Wiechmann is confident that he can help the program grow over the years. “I really want to turn this into a respectable program moving forward,” he said. “We’re a young team, but they’ve listened and they’re very coachable.” The Packers will host their home opener April 24 at Austin Country Club at 2:30 p.m.

April 29.....................................................................................................................Austin invite, 2:30 p.m. May 6......................................................................................................at Winona, 2:30 p.m. May 12........................................................................................................................vs. Hayfield, 3:30 p.m. May 13.................................................................................at Rochester Century, 2:30 p.m. May 19...................................................................................................at Cannon Falls, TBA May 22......................................................................at Big Nine meet in Owatonna, 10 a.m. •Home games in bold

Think Y-M-C-Whey! Spring is here, which means getting fit outside is a priority for many athletes. How can you fuel your efforts? By looking to the dairy food aisle, where you can find a protein powerhouse that provides a number of benefits. Here’s what you need to know: One serving of milk (nature’s performance food), cheese or yogurt provides eight grams of high-quality protein — that means it has all essential amino acids. Whey protein, naturally found in dairy foods, is another source of high-quality protein. Protein from dairy foods can help build and repair muscle, regulate metabolism and keep us full from meal to meal. Dairy foods easily fit into meals or snacks, which makes them convenient while being a tasty way to fuel your day. Think Y-M-C-Whey to remember these protein-packed tips. is for Yogurt: Enjoy yogurt at any time of the day, morning or night, before or after practice. Double up the protein found in yogurt by choosing flavored Greek-style yogurt. Twice the amount of protein when compared to regular yogurt with a creamy consistency. It works well with granola and fresh fruit.

is for Milk: Reach for low-fat chocolate milk after exercise or practice. The protein found in chocolate milk paired with the carbohydrates it provides gives the right ratio to support healthy muscles and refuel energy.

FRIDAY, APRIL 11, 2014

is for Cheese: Grab a slice, wedge or stick when you need to curb hunger. Apples and cheese, grapes and cheese, pears and cheese – all are good options to tide you over between meals or before or after practice.

is for Whey: Add whey protein powder to your post-workout smoothie or cereal (to speed muscle recovery) and to help build and maintain muscle.

Peanut Butter and Banana Shake

Servings: 1 Total time: 5 mins Source: Midwest Dairy Association Ingredients •1 cup fat-free or 1 percent low-fat chocolate milk •½ cup frozen banana slices •1 tablespoon peanut butter •½ teaspoon vanilla extract •¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Preparation Combine all ingredients in a blender; blend until smooth and creamy. Serve in tall glass or on-the-go drink container. SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW - AUSTIN DAILY HERALD

Common treatment of blisters The spring sports season has begun. Because of the lengthy winter, many workouts were forced indoors and with that means training in the gyms and any available space the high school has to offer. With a new season, many athletes may also purchase new shoes, especially those participating in track. Sometimes breaking in those shoes may cause blisters on the feet. The most common areas blisters develop are on the balls of the feet, just under the big toe and the heels. Just because you have blisters, does not mean you can’t continue to train. It just means you may have to take some extra precautions to protect the blisters to prevent discomfort until they heal. Blisters themselves can be prevented with proper fitting shoes and most importantly, socks. New shoes, because they have not been broken in, can be stiff and cause extra friction to the heel. If you are doing more intense workouts that require a lot of changes in direction you may get blisters to the ball of the foot. If you are one of the unfortunate individuals which has recently developed blisters from your workouts, here are some tips for treatment and prevention.

Treatment

Blisters occur as a result of the friction on the skin which

creates an irritation between the layers. Most commonly, you will have a pocket of skin that has a small amount of fluid built up between the layers. One misconception is people want to drain the blister. You should refrain from draining the blister because it is protecting the skin and will help in preventing infection. The blister will usually reabsorb the fluid and slowly begin to heal on its own. Ice can be used on the blistered area to reduce discomfort and help with decreasing the swelling due to the fluid. In the event the blister ruptures on its own, it is key to the leave the excess skin intact to protect the soft fragile layer of skin underneath, this will also decrease the chances of infection. If you have a ruptured blister it is important to keep your foot and blister clean and use an antibiotic ointment such as Bacitracin or Neosporin on the affected area and to cover with an adhesive bandage until healed. Cleansing should be done a couple times a day. In the event the blister has ruptured and you suspect it may be infected, you should consult your primary care provider to have the blister evaluated for infection. If it is infected, antibiotics may be needed to treat the infection. Once you have a blister the most effective way to protect the area is with adhesive bandages or thin padding, held in place with athletic tape.

This will reduce the friction to the area and decrease your overall discomfort. Blisters can be a real nuisance to training and make workouts uncomfortable. Modifying workouts during the first few days can alleviate some of the friction to the wounded area, allowing you to train without creating excess discomfort.

Prevention

•Proper fitting shoes. •Wear socks that fully cover your foot and heel. •Use of Moleskin on the heel of the shoe to decrease friction. Moleskin is a felt padding with an adhesive backing that can be cut and placed to fit inside the heel of the shoe or forefoot to decrease any friction in those areas. •Take care of your feet. If you have callous use a pumice stone post showers to remove the excess skin, this will decrease friction sites therefore decreasing your chances of getting a blister. This information has been provided only for educational purposes and is not intended to replace appropriate medical care. Always consult your primary healthcare provider with questions regarding your health.

Minnesota State Tournament HQ Baseball

June 12, 13, 14 Class A: Chaska Athletic Park, Chaska. Consolation bracket — Mini Met, Jordan. Class AA: Dick Putz Field, St. Cloud. Consolation bracket — Joe Faber Field, St. Cloud. Class AAA: Midway Stadium, St. Paul. Consolation bracket — Dick Siebert Field, University of Minnesota. All championship games played at Target Field.

Softball

June 5-6 Caswell Park, North Mankato, all classes

Boys and girls golf

Class A: Pebble Creek Golf Club, Becker. Class AA: Ridges at Sand Creek, Jordan. Class AAA: Bunker Hills Golf Club, Coon Rapids.

•Information from the Minnesota State High School League: www.mshsl.org

GMLOS’s Elizabeth May at the 2013 state meet at Hamline University.

Track

June 6-7 Hamline University, St. Paul, both classes AUSTIN DAILY HERALD - SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW

FRIDAY, APRIL 11, 2014

Hayfield looks to stake its claim With five seniors, Vikings are thinking past sections This is the year the Hayfield softball team has been waiting for. The Vikings have five seniors in the starting lineup and they bring back seven starters from last year’s team that went 14-8 and was two wins short of the state tournament. “We had many close and exciting games last year, especially during playoffs,” said Hayfield head softball coach Jana Wanger, who is in her 17th year at the helm. “This year’s players want to make our wins more decisive and get over that ‘last hurdle’ for an appearance at state.”

Schedule

Hayfield’s Dani Wagner will be a factor both at the plate and behind it as the 2014 season unfolds. Herald file photo

April 7...........................................at Stewartville, 4:30 p.m. April 8....................................................at Triton, 4:30 p.m. April 10..........................................vs. Rochester Lourdes, 4:30 p.m. April 14.................at Waterville-Elysian-Morristown, 5 p.m. April 15..........................................at Pine Island, 4:30 p.m. April 17........................................................at Byron, 3 p.m. April 21..........................................at Alden-Conger, 5 p.m. April 22........................................vs. Zumbrota-Mazeppa, 4:30 p.m. April 24..........................................................vs. Goodhue, 4:30 p.m.

Hayfield has plenty of offensive firepower returning and they are led by University of Minnesota commit Dani Wagner, who hit .603 with 16 extra base hits and 25 RBIs last season. The team also brings back sophomore Grace Mindrup, who hit .447 with 38 RBIs last season and senior Jessie Foster, who hit .418 last year. “Dani Wagner will show leadership with her knowledge of the game and ‘will do’ attitude, Jessie Foster will lead with her hustle,” Jana Wagner said. “Grace Walker and Rachel Masching will be the team cheer squad and Alyssa Monahan will show leadership with her practice initiative.”

April 29..........................................................vs. La Crescent, 5 p.m. May 2..................................................vs. Rushford-Peterson, 5 p.m. May 5..........................................vs. Kenyon-Wanamingo, 4:30 p.m. May 6.................................at Glenville-Emmons, 4:30 p.m. May 8..............................................at Cannon Falls, 5 p.m. May 10........................................................Hayfield Invite, 8:30 a.m. May 12..................................................at Lake City, 5 p.m. May 13...............................................Kasson-Mantorville, 4:30 p.m. May 16..............................................................vs. Southland, 5 p.m. •Home games in bold

Experience will lead the Vikings The Hayfield baseball team is looking at a lot of experience to pay off as it prepares for this season. The Vikings have seven seniors on their team who have played since they were sophomores and the squad has 15 total players with varsity “We feel like we have as experience coming back from last year’s good a shot as any team team that finished in our section of going to 10-13. “I see that whole state.” group [of seniors] stepping up and Kasey Krekling, showing leadership Hayfield head in what is their last varsity sport for Haybaseball coach field High School,” said Hayfield head coach Kasey Krekling, who is in his third year on the job. The Vikings seniors should give them offense as JB Stackhouse hit .391 with 15 RBIs last season for the Vikings, Cole Kruger hit .368 last year, Drew Streightiff hit .338 last season and junior Cam Rutledge was 5-3 with an ERA of 3.40.

FRIDAY, APRIL 11, 2014

Schedule

Hayfield’s Connor Nelson crosses home plate in the Section 1A qualifying round in 2014 at Dick Seltz Field. Herald file photo Krekling likes the speed his team has, but he said his team will not have a lot of pitching depth this season. He still thinks the team has a postseason run in it. “Our team has one big goal that we want to reach, and that is a state tournament berth,” Krekling said. “We got third place at sections last year and only graduated one senior. We feel like we have as good a shot as any team in our section of going to state.”

April 10......................................................................vs. Triton, 5 p.m. April 11.......................at Kasson-Mantorville (DH), 3:45 p.m. April 14..................................................................vs. Houston, 5 p.m. April 17.................................................vs. Rochester Lourdes, 5 p.m. April 21................................................vs. Schaeffer Academy, 5 p.m. April 22...........................vs. Kenyon-Wanamingo at Hayfield, 5 p.m. April 25...........................................at Lyle-Pacelli, 4:30 p.m. April 28...................................at Zumbrota-Mazeppa, 5 p.m. April 29...............................................at La Crescent, 5 p.m. May 2........................................................vs. Lewiston-Altura, 5 p.m. May 6.....................................at Blooming Prairie, 4:30 p.m. May 8.................................................vs. Stewartville (DH), 3:45 p.m. May 9...................................................at Pine Island, 5 p.m. May 12....................................at Rochester Lourdes, 5 p.m. May 16............................................................vs. La Crescent, 5 p.m. May 17...............................................at Byron (DH), 11 a.m. •Home games in bold SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW - AUSTIN DAILY HERALD

Numbers up for the Hayfield boys The Hayfield boys track and field team returns 14 athletes from last year’s team as it prepares for this season. The Vikings will look to seniors Chad Kruger and Jon Fleischmann to lead a squad that

is growing stronger. Hayfield’s numbers have doubled in its junior high program, and the varsity team has a lot of athletes after graduating just two from last season. “Our numbers are way up,” said Hayfield

Vikings targeting skills The Hayfield girls track and field team has 10 athletes returning with varsity experience and the program’s numbers are strong for the upcoming season. “Including the boys team, we have the most athletes out for track and field since I started coaching in Hayfield,” said Hayfield head coach Kellie Baker, who is in her seventh year. “Every year the team grows larger and larger. We are really trying to build a successful track

“We’ll aim to win events and meets, but even if an athlete never wins a race, but gets a new personal record each meet and reaches their goals, that is worth just as much and really builds characters in a young athlete.” -Kellie Baker, Hayfield track coach

program where athletes can gain skills and speed not only for track but for all sports.” The Vikings have a lot of new athletes on the team, and they’ll know a lot more about those athletes once the team actually gets outside and competes. The Vikings have stressed a focus on the team over the past couple of seasons and Baker said that the squad is hoping for some confident athletes. “We’ll aim to win

head coach Vince Anderson, who is in his third year as boys head coach. “The enthusiasm is there, we just need to keep these kids interested.” Anderson said the 4 x 800-meter relay

team for Hayfield should be competitive. The group of Fleischmann, Gabe Tempel, Cam Stadler and Kruger took fifth at the section meet last season and they will be in the running to get to state this season.

Schedule

March 31..............................at Triton, 4 p.m. April 10............................Hayfield Invite, 4:30 p.m. April 15.......................at Stewartville, 4 p.m. April 24............................Hayfield Invite, 4:30 p.m. April 29........................at GMLOS, 4:30 p.m. May 6...................................at Triton, 4 p.m. May 10......................................at HVL meet in Cannon Falls, 10:30 a.m. May 16............................at Triton, 4:30 p.m. •Home games in bold, combined boys and girls schedule

events and meets, but even if an athlete never wins a race, but gets a new personal record each meet and reaches their goals, that is worth just as much and really builds character in a young athlete,” Baker said. “We as coaches will help each individual improve. We want to make coming out for track and field a rewarding opportunity for each athlete for multiple reasons.”

State qualifiers back for shot at returning The Hayfield “We hope to have boys and girls at least those two golf teams each return and perhaps more state qualifiers make it to Pebble as they prepare for this season. Creek at Becker” Brady Becker, a junior, has -Lisa Talcott, competed in Hayfield golf coach the last two state meets, and Samantha Dahlen, a junior and the lone member of the girls team this season, also made state last season. Hayfield boys Jacob Dahlen and Sam Olive will also be in the running for state. “I have two players that represented Hayfield at the state tournament last year,” Hayfield head coach Lisa Talcott said. “We hope to have at least those two and perhaps more make it to Pebble Creek at Becker. We have a promising rookie and another veteran that may fill out our boys’ team so that we can make a run at going to the state meet as a team.” AUSTIN DAILY HERALD - SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW

Brady Becker, left, and Samantha Dahlen, with Trevor Anderson (graduated) are returners. Herald file photo

Schedule

April 8...........at Rochester Invite (G), 2 p.m. April 12..............at Blooming Prairie, 9 a.m. April 12..................Hayfield Girls Invite, 8:30 a.m. April 24...at Zumrbota-Mazeppa (B), 7 p.m.

May 5..................................at Byron, 3 p.m. May 8......................................vs. Lake City, 3 p.m. May 16..at HVL Meet, Red Wing (B), 9 a.m. May 16...at HVL Meet, Lake City (G), 9 a.m. •Home games in bold G; girls meets, B: boys meets FRIDAY, APRIL 11, 2014

GMLOS boys track looking to develop, compete The Grand Meadow-LeRoy-Ostrander-Southland boys track and field team has just 16 high school athletes on the team as it looks to a core of juniors to lead the way this season. GMLOS will getleadership from Jacob Souhrada, Dominiq Bouska, Marvin Heimer, Adam Koenigs, Maxwell Tapp, Daniel Gottschalk and Travis Raddatz this spring.

“We will be very competitive in the throws, sprints, middle distance and distance events with some great individual performers.” - Scott Hall, GMLOS head coach The team’s lone senior, Chase Foster, will also chip in. “We will be very competitive in the throws, sprints, middle distance, and distance events with some great individual

performers. Our biggest weakness will be our depth and numbers,” said GMLOS head coach Scott Hall, who is in his sixth year. “We look to our freshmen and sophomores to gain experience throughout the season and

significantly contribute by the conference meet.” GMLOS had five seniors graduate from last year’s team and eight athletes return with varsity experience.

GMLOS girls still aiming high Despite key runners graduating, hopes are still on state The Grand Meadow-LeRoy-Ostrander-Southland girls track and field team graduated three of its five athletes who competed in the state meet last season, but the team still has some high hopes for this year. GMLOS will look to junior McKenzie Kirtz and sophomore Sydney Bendtsen, who have each run at the last two state meets. The team will also look to seniors Morgan Schmitz, who threw the discus at state two years ago, and Hannah Holst to provide leadership. “Morgan and Hannah are amazing leaders and extremely talented athletes,” GMLOS head coach Andrea McKichan said. GMLOS is looking for sophomore Samantha Siskow to make a big step in the hurdles this season and Bendtsen

FRIDAY, APRIL 11, 2014

“We want to qualify more athletes or in more events for the state meet than we did last season.” -Andrea McKichan, GMLOS coach

Schedule

March 29.......................................at University of La Crosse Invite, 9 a.m. April 3............................................................................at Saint Charles, 4 p.m. April 8...................................................................at Chatfield, 4:30 p.m. April 10........................................................................at Hayfield, 4:30 p.m. April 15............................................................at Stewartville, 4:30 p.m. April 17............................................................................at Triton, 4:30 p.m. April 22.......................................................at Blooming Prairie, 4:30 p.m. April 29.......................................................GMLOS Invite in Grand Meadow, 4:30 p.m. May 6.......................................................................at Winona, 4:30 p.m. May 13.................................................................SEC meet at GMLOS in GM, 4:30 p.m. •Home games in bold

will contribute in the long jump, as well as sprints. “We want to qualify more athletes or

in more events for the state meet than we did last season,” McKichan said.

McKenzie Kirtz, seen here in 2012, will be back on the track to help lead the GMLOS track program. Herald file photo

SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW - AUSTIN DAILY HERALD

GMLOK Baseball, softball, golf schedules GMLOK BASEBALL (K: In Kingsland)

April 1.......................................at Fillmore Central, 5 p.m. April 3..............................................................vs. Southland (K), 5 p.m. April 7................................................at St. Charles, 5 p.m. April 8..................................................at Chatfield, 5 p.m. April 10......................................vs. Rushford-Peterson (K), 5 p.m. April 14....................................................at Caledonia, 5 p.m. April 15..........................................................at PEM, 5 p.m. April 17...................................................vs. St. Charles (K), 5 p.m. April 22.....................................at Lewiston-Altura, 5 p.m. April 24.................................................vs. Dover-Eyota (K), 5 p.m. April 28............................................................vs. Lyle-Pacelli. in (K), 5 p.m. April 29.......................................at Winona Cotter, 5 p.m. May 1...................................................vs. Wabasha-Kellogg (K), 5 p.m. May 5..........................................vs. Fillmore Central (K), 5 p.m. March 31.Chi. White Sox 5, Twins 3 April 2......Chi. White Sox 7, Twins 6 April 3....Twins 10, Chi. White Sox 9 April 4..............Cleveland 7, Twins 2 April 5..............Twins 7, Cleveland 3 April 6............Twins 10, Cleveland 7 April 7.................Oakland 8, Twins 3 April 9.................Oakland 7, Twins 4 April 10..........................vs. Oakland April 11....................vs. Kansas City April 12....................vs. Kansas City April 13....................vs. Kansas City April 15............................vs. Toronto April 16............................vs. Toronto April 17............................vs. Toronto April 18......................at Kansas City April 19......................at Kansas City April 20......................at Kansas City April 22.......................at Tampa Bay April 23.......................at Tampa Bay April 24.......................at Tampa Bay April 26.............................vs. Detroit April 27.............................vs. Detroit April 29.....................vs. LA Dodgers April 30.....................vs. LA Dodgers May 1.......................vs. LA Dodgers May 2...........................vs. Baltimore May 3...........................vs. Baltimore May 4...........................vs. Baltimore

May 5............................at Cleveland May 6............................at Cleveland May 7............................at Cleveland May 8............................at Cleveland May 9.................................at Detroit May 10...............................at Detroit May 11...............................at Detroit May 13.............................vs. Boston May 14.............................vs. Boston May 15.............................vs. Boston May 16.............................vs. Seattle May 17.............................vs. Seattle May 18.............................vs. Seattle May 20.............................vs. Seattle May 21.........................at San Diego May 23.........................at San Diego May 24...................at San Francisco May 25...................at San Francisco May 26...............................vs. Texas May 27...............................vs. Texas May 28...............................vs. Texas May 29...............................vs. Texas May 30.....................vs. NY Yankees May 31.....................vs. NY Yankees June 1.....................vs. NY Yankees June 2........................vs. Milwaukee June 3........................vs. Milwaukee June 4........................vs. Milwaukee June 5........................vs. Milwaukee

AUSTIN DAILY HERALD - SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW

May 6................................................at Southland, 5 p.m. May 13..................................................at Rushford-Peter., 5 p.m. May 15......................................................vs. Caledonia (K), 5 p.m. May 19....................................................vs. Chatfield (K), 5 p.m. May 20................................................vs. Lewiston-Altura (K), 4:30 p.m.

GMLOK SOFTBALL (SV: In Spring Valley)

April 3.......................................at Fillmore Central, 5 p.m. April 8................................................at Chatfield, 4:30 p.m. April 15............................................................vs. PEM (SV), 5 p.m. April 17.............................................at St. Charles, 5 p.m. April 22..............................................vs. Lewiston-Altura (SV), 5 p.m. April 24.............................................at Dover-Eyota, 5 p.m. April 26....................at Lewiston-Altura Tournament, TBA April 29...................................................vs. Winona Cotter (SV), 5 p.m.

Minnesota Twins 2014 schedule June 6...........................vs. Houston June 7...........................vs. Houston June 8...........................vs. Houston June 9..............................at Toronto June 10.............................at Toronto June 11.............................at Toronto June 13..............................at Detroit June 14..............................at Detroit June 15..............................at Detroit June 16.............................at Boston June 17.............................at Boston June 18.............................at Boston June 19.................vs Chi White Sox June 20.................vs Chi White Sox June 21.................vs Chi White Sox June 22.................vs Chi White Sox June 24...........................at Anaheim June 25...........................at Anaheim June 26...........................at Anaheim June 27...............................at Texas June 28...............................at Texas June 29...............................at Texas

June 30.....................at Kansas City July 1........................at Kansas City July 2........................at Kansas City July 3.......................vs. NY Yankees July 4.......................vs. NY Yankees July 5.......................vs. NY Yankees July 6.......................vs. NY Yankees July 7.................................at Seattle July 8.................................at Seattle July 9.................................at Seattle July 10...............................at Seattle July 11...........................at Colorado July 12...........................at Colorado July 13...........................at Colorado July 18......................vs. Tampa Bay July 19......................vs. Tampa Bay July 20......................vs. Tampa Bay July 21.........................vs. Cleveland July 22.........................vs. Cleveland July 23.........................vs. Cleveland July 24..................vs Chi White Sox July 25..................vs Chi White Sox

May 1........................................at Wabasha-Kellogg, 5 p.m. May 6......................................................vs. Southland (SV, DH) at 4:30 p.m. May 9.............................................at Mabel-Canton, 4:30 p.m. May 12.......................................at Caledonia (DH) at 4:30 p.m. May 13..........vs. Rushford-Peterson (Kingsland, DH) at 4:30 p.m.

GMLO GOLF

April 4..............................................at Houston, 4:30 p.m. April 7.........................................at Lyle-Pacelli, 4:30 p.m. April 14................................................at Lanesboro, 4:30 p.m. April 28................vs. Houston Cedar River Golf Course, 4:30 p.m. May 2..............vs.Lyle-Pacelli Cedar River Golf Course, 4:30 p.m. May 9...............vs. Lanesboro Cedar River Golf Course, 4:30 p.m. May 16.......at SEC Meet Cedar River Golf Course, 9 a.m. â&#x20AC;˘Home games in bold

July 26..................vs Chi White Sox July 27..................vs Chi White Sox July 29.......................at Kansas City July 30.......................at Kansas City July 31.......................at Kansas City Aug. 1....................at Chi White Sox Aug. 2....................at Chi White Sox Aug. 3....................at Chi White Sox Aug. 5.........................vs. San Diego Aug. 6.........................vs. San Diego Aug. 7..............................at Oakland Aug. 8..............................at Oakland Aug. 9..............................at Oakland Aug. 10............................at Oakland Aug. 11...........................at Houston Aug. 12...........................at Houston Aug. 13...........................at Houston Aug. 15....................vs. Kansas City Aug. 16....................vs. Kansas City Aug. 17....................vs. Kansas City Aug. 18....................vs. Kansas City Aug. 19........................vs. Cleveland Aug. 20........................vs. Cleveland Aug. 21........................vs. Cleveland Aug. 22.............................vs. Detroit Aug. 23.............................vs. Detroit Aug. 24.............................vs. Detroit Aug. 26......................at Kansas City Aug. 27......................at Kansas City

Aug. 28......................at Kansas City Aug. 29..........................at Baltimore Aug. 30..........................at Baltimore Aug. 31..........................at Baltimore Sept. 1...................at Chi White Sox Sept. 2...................at Chi White Sox Sept. 3...................at Chi White Sox Sept. 4...................at Chi White Sox Sept. 5.........................vs. Anaheim Sept. 6.........................vs. Anaheim Sept. 7.........................vs. Anaheim Sept. 9.........................at Cleveland Sept. 10.......................at Cleveland Sept. 11.......................at Cleveland Sept. 12.......................at White Sox Sept. 13.......................at White Sox Sept. 14.......................at White Sox Sept. 15...........................vs. Detroit Sept. 16...........................vs. Detroit Sept. 17...........................vs. Detroit Sept. 19......................vs. Cleveland Sept. 20......................vs. Cleveland Sept. 21......................vs. Cleveland Sept. 22..........................vs. Arizona Sept. 23..........................vs. Arizona Sept. 24..........................vs. Arizona Sept. 25.............................at Detroit Sept. 26.............................at Detroit Sept. 27.............................at Detroit

FRIDAY, APRIL 11, 2014

A solid foundation The Rebels are ready for more after just missing state the past two years The Rebels have been a solid baseball team the past two seasons, but they’re hoping to be even better this spring. Southland, which has had its season end in the last two Section 1A title games, will bring back four pitchers from last year’s team that finished 16-4. “None of these guys have ever had the state tournament experience and it’ll be disappointing for them if they don’t go this year,” Southland head coach Scott Retterath said. “We’ve just got to take it one game at a time.” Southland will return its ace pitcher in Lukas Anderson, who went 6-1 with an ERA of .057 last season. He also hit .466. Southland’s other key pitchers will be Taylar Schwartz, Ike Kloeckner and Jordan Heimer. The Rebels will also have third baseman Josh Anderson in the lineup. Anderson started last season strong, but missed most of it with an arm injury. Southland graduated four starters from last season and Retterath said the two biggest spots to fill are in the outfield. “There’s several guys that have a chance to play there,” Retterath said.

Schedule

Southland’s Taylar Schwartz runs towards home plate against Hayfield last season. Schwartz is one of the returners hoping to break through the Section Tournament and reach state after just missing the past two years. Herald file photo

FRIDAY, APRIL 11, 2014

April 1.........................................................vs. Caledonia, 5 p.m. April 3..................................................at GMLOK, 5 p.m. April 8...............................at Rushford-Peterson, 5 p.m. April 11........................................vs. Blooming Prairie, 4:30 p.m. April 15.......................................at Saint Charles, 5 p.m. April 17............................................vs. Lewiston-Altura, 5 p.m. April 22........................................at Dover-Eyota, 5 p.m. April 24..................................................vs. Winona Cotter, 5 p.m. April 25..............................................vs. Fillmore Central, 5 p.m. April 29................................at Wabasha-Kellogg, 5 p.m. May 1...................................vs. Plainview-Elgin-Millville, 5 p.m. May 5...............................................at Caledonia, 5 p.m. May 6...............................................................vs. GMLOK, 5 p.m. May 8............................................vs. Rushford-Peterson, 5 p.m. May 15...........................................................vs. Chatfield, 5 p.m. •Home games in bold

SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW - AUSTIN DAILY HERALD

Young Rebels The Southland softball team is looking to rebuild after going 3-16 overall last season. The Rebels have a relatively young roster as they have just two seniors

Schedule

April 1..vs. Cale. in Rose Creek, (DH), 4:30 p.m. April 5.......Goodhue, Kenyon-Wanamingo at Southland in Rose Creek, 10:30 a.m. April 11..at Blooming Prairie, 4:30 p.m. April 14.......................................vs. Chatfield in Rose Creek (DH), 4:30 p.m. April 15..vs. St Charles in Rose Creek, 5 p.m. April 17........at Lewiston-Altura, 5 p.m. April 22...vs. Dover-Eyota in Rose Creek, 5 p.m.

on the team — veteran outfielder Haley Keifer and first baseman Delanie Barnes. Southland also brings back junior pitcher Sam Emanuel.

Southland’s Haley Kiefer slides into third base against Dover-Eyota in Rose Creek last season. Kiefer is one of a small number of returners for the Rebels this year. Herald file photo

April 24...........at Winona Cotter, 5 p.m. April 29.........................vs. Wabasha-Kellogg in Rose Creek, 5 p.m. May 1............................at PEM, 5 p.m. May 6..........at GMLOK (DH), 4:30 p.m. May 8...at Rushford-Peterson, 4:30 p.m. May 13...at Fillmore Central, 4:30 p.m. May 16.....................at Hayfield, 5 p.m. •Home games in bold

Simple plan: Strive to get better throughout 2014 The Southland boys and girls golf teams will be low on numbers as they hope to improve throughout the season. The Southland boys will look for leadership

Schedule

April 3...........................at Kingsland, 4:30 p.m. April 7...........................at Caledonia, 4:30 p.m. April 8............at Rushford-Peterson, 4:30 p.m. April 12...................at Hayfield Invite, 8:30 a.m. April 22......................................vs. Chatfield, 4:30 p.m. April 24..........................vs. Fillmore Central, 4:30 p.m. April 25....................................Southland Invite, 3 p.m.

from senior Tyler Westrich and junior Brandon Bergene, and the girls will look to sophomores Tess Douty and Cassidy Reinhartz to lead the way.

April 28....................................vs. Caledonia, 4:30 p.m. April 29.................................at Triton, 1:30 p.m. May 1........................vs. Rushford-Peterson, 4:30 p.m. May 5................vs. Kingsland at Southland, 4:30 p.m. May 6..................at Fillmore Central, 4:30 p.m. May 12...........................at Chatfield, 4:30 p.m. May 13............................Boys at Byron, 3 p.m.

We want your youth and club team results. Send them to sports@austindailyherald.com. Pictures welcome. Please include all names and relevant information

Bergene was fourth in scoring in the conference last season and Chase Gilson also has varsity experience for Southland. The girls may not field a complete team this year, due to a lack of golfers. “We want to get better,” said Tim Brennan, who has been head coach for seven years. “Our goal is always to be better at the end of the year.”

•Home games in bold

AUSTIN DAILY HERALD - SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW

FRIDAY, APRIL 11, 2014

Mia Bauer, left, and Samantha Boots, right hit tennis balls against a net during practice in the Lyle School gym. After not having a program for the past three seasons, the Athletics will be back on the diamond in 2014. BELOW: Pitcher Bethany Strouf warms up. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com

LP softball getting back to work The Lyle-Pacelli softball program is looking to shake off some dust this season. After not having a varsity team for the past three springs, the Athletics have found 14 players that want to play varsity softball, and the program is getting a fresh start under first year head coach Jeff Yocom, who has experience coaching summer softball and youth baseball. Starting a program has been a mad scramble for Yocom as he had to get himself certified and had to track down the team uniforms and equipment in time for its 12-game season. The last time LP had a softball team was the spring of 2010 and they finished 3-15 overall that season. LP has fielded a middle school team in the past few years and has 14 players currently on its roster. Just one of those players is a junior or older and about half of the players are seventh-graders.

FRIDAY, APRIL 11, 2014

“We’re going to be very, very young. Half of our starters will probably seventh- or eighth-graders,” Yocom said. “From day one, these girls have really been with this program. Every day they’ve worked their tails off and they’re happy to have a team.” LP’s junior high team went undefeated last season, and that inspired Yocom to make a

move to get a varsity program this spring. The team is pretty much starting from scratch as most of the players haven’t played against a high school player in softball before. “It’s my program and we’re really pushing,” Yocom said. “I’m trying to give these girls every opportunity to succeed that I can.” Yocom said the team has some quality athletes as Courtney Walter and Brooke Walter will play softball after playing big minutes for LP’s basketball team this past winter. “Courtney hasn’t played in a couple of years, but you wouldn’t be able to tell by watching her. Brooke is probably one of our best players,” Yocom said. “They’ve been around softball and baseball all of their lives.” LP will look to freshman Bethany Strouf and seventh-grader Faith King to pitch. The Athletics are short on experience, but Yocom said he has a hard working group that has already made some progress in just a week and a half of practice.

Schedule

April 10...................at Houston, 4:30 p.m. April 14...................vs. Alden-Conger, 4:30 p.m. April 15............vs. Glenville-Emmons, 4:30 p.m. April 24..........vs. Mabel-Canton (DH), 4:30 p.m. May 1..................at Alden-Conger, 5 p.m. May 5..............................vs. Houston, 4:30 p.m. May 12....at Glenville-Emmons, 4:30 p.m. May 13...at Mabel-Canton (DH), 4:30 p.m. •Home games in bold, played at Todd Park

“We’ll be pretty good defensively and we’ll be quick. The girls like to run and if we can get on the base paths, we’ll do decent,” Yocom said. The Athletics will play a full Southeast Conference schedule and will play its home games at Todd Park. The home opener is against Alden-Conger at 4:30 p.m. on April 14. SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW - AUSTIN DAILY HERALD

With low numbers, more will have to step up

The Lyle-Pacelli baseball team brings back seven “I am looking forward to see key players from last year’s squad that went 11-5 what we can do as a team last season and won its second straight SEC title. LP will have two big bats in the lineup in sophthis year.” omore Daniel Bollingberg, who hit .520 last season, and junior Jordan Hart, who hit .554 with -Brock Meyer, LP head coach five homers and 25 RBIs last season. “Jordan Hart and Daniel Bollingberg are back as captains and need to take more of a leadership role on and off the field this year,” LP head coach Brock Meyer said. “Matt Kasel returns as senior. He hasn’t played since his freshman year, and his bat will help a lot. He will give us some quality innings in a more than likely shortened year again.” LP has just 10 players on its roster and the team will look to sophomores Jordan Cotter and Braden Kocer to chip in. Myer, who is in his third year as head coach, is hoping his squad can not only win its third straight section title, but that it can also make a postseason run. “ I am looking forward to see what we can do as team this year. The kids have had a good off

Schedule

April 10...............at Houston (DH), 4:30 p.m. April 12............................Lyle-Pacelli Tournament at Riverland, 11 a.m. April 14.............vs. Schaeffer Academy, 4:30 p.m. April 17.....at Schaeffer Academy, 4:30 p.m. April 22.........at Blooming Prairie, 4:30 p.m. April 24..............vs. Mabel-Canton (DH), 4:30 p.m. April 25................................vs. Hayfield, 4:30 p.m. April 28............................at GMLOK, 5 p.m.

May 1...............................vs. Houston (DH), 4 p.m. May 2.............at Fillmore Central, 4:30 p.m. May 5..........................vs. Martin Luther, 4:30 p.m. May 12..............vs. Schaeffer Academy, 4:30 p.m. May 13.............at Mabel-Canton, 4:30 p.m. May 19......at Schaeffer Academy, 4:30 p.m. •Home games in bold, played at Marcusen Park unless otherwise indicated

season and are working hard in practice,” Meyer said. “I like their focus and determination to get better everyday. The main things is they all want to be here and have bought into playing as a team and wanting to see each other succeed.”

Lyle-Pacelli’s Jordan Hart delivers against Mabel Canton last year against Mabel-Canton at Riverland Community College. Herald file photo

AUSTIN DAILY HERALD - SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW

FRIDAY, APRIL 11, 2014

LP track looking to challenge The Lyle-Pacelli boys and girls track and field teams are bringing back seven of their eight section meet qualifiers as they look for another solid season this year. The LP girls will look to leadership from Sarah Holtz in the triple jump, long jump and high jump, Madeline Kraemer in distance running and Madison Truckenmiller. LP will also get a boost from seventh-grade distance runners Kayla Christopherson, who ran in the state cross country meet

“Our goal is always to inch closer to GMLOS in our conference. They really out-number everybody else” -Gabe Nelson, LP track coach

Lyle-Pacelli’s Madison Truckenmiller runs in the 4x800 meter relay during the Austin Invitational last season. Herald file photo

Schedule

April 10............................................at Hayfield, 4:30 p.m. April 22............................................at Medford, 4:30 p.m. April 24............................................at Hayfield, 4:30 p.m. April 29...............at GMLOS in Grand Meadow, 4:30 p.m. May 1...........at Faribault Bethlehem Academy, 4:30 p.m. May 6......at Section 1A True Team Meet in Triton, 3 p.m. May 8..............................................at Medford, 4:30 p.m. May 13................at SEC meet in Grand Meadow, 4 p.m. May 16.................................................at Triton, 4:30 p.m. last fall, and Myra Kraemer. “They’re looking to give our distance runners a little spark,” LP head coach Gabe Nelson said. The LP boys will be led by Nathan Drees, who runs in the 800-meter run, Taylor Wobschall and Brennan Ruis. Nelson is looking for his team to improve throughout the year. “Our goal is always to inch closer to GMLOS in our conference,” Nelson said. “They really out-number everybody else.”

LP boys could vie for the top of the SEC The Lyle-Pacelli boys golf team is high on numbers, but the LP girls have just one golfer this season. “She’s got the The LP boys will look to potential to move senior Thomas on, but it’s hard to Marx, who averaged 48.1 last get to state.” season, senior Teddy King, -LP golf coach Mark who averaged Buntje on lone girls 50.4 last year, and senior Ben golfer Maggie Leif Aho, who averaged 52.3 last year, to lead them. Sophomore Noah Jiskra, senior Collin Golberg, freshmen Brady Lester and Noah Aakre, eighth-grader Troy Seguin and seventh-grader Mason Holtorf should all be in the mix as well. LP should have one of the top teams in the SEC as Houston enters the season as the favorites. LP junior Maggie Leif will be the lone golf-

FRIDAY, APRIL 11, 2014

Schedule

April 7....................................vs. GMLO, 4:30 p.m. April 11..............................vs. Houston, 4:30 p.m. April 12........at Blooming Prairie (B), 9 a.m. at Hayfield (G), 8:30 a.m. April 15.............at Alden-Conger, 4:30 p.m. April 17........................at Stewartville, noon April 25..............at Southland Invite, 3 p.m. April 29..................at Lanesboro, 4:30 p.m. May 2...........................at GMLO, 4:30 p.m. May 5........................at Houston, 4:30 p.m. May 12...........................vs. Lanesboro, 4:30 p.m. May 16........at SEC meet in Adams, 9 a.m. •Home meets in bold. Held at Meadow Greens Golf Course

Maggie Leif returns as the lone girls’ golfer for LP this year. Herald file photo

er on the girls team, which hasn’t had a full squad since 2012. She averaged a score of 54.1 last season and was All-SEC. “She’s got the potential to move on, but it’s hard to get to state,” Head coach Mark Buntje said.

Thomas Marx returns to the links for the LP boys. Herald file photo

SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW - AUSTIN DAILY HERALD

Riverland Baseball 2014 RCC BASEBALL ROSTER

Ruben Corea Fr. Adam Sellner So. Isaac Tuttle Fr. Matt Bushbaum So. Clay Fonfara Fr. Kevin Betancourt Fr. Sam Roosen So. Brandon Hodson Fr. Rudmicheall Brandao Fr. Juan Garcia Fr. Kenny Perez So. Sukino Sadji Fr. Taylor Groth Fr. Mirangelo Muller Fr. Kevin Soto Fr.

OF OF/P P 3B/OF OF/P 2B OF/P P/1B

2B P 1B/C P/OF 3B/1B P/SS C

Rileyson Liberia Brett Thackery Andrew Adams Melvin De La Torre Brandon Heal Jonathan Jones Miguel Castro Brock Rude Jordan Johnson Patrick Anderson Zachary Nelson Nestor Jimenez Jaron Brezinsky Sam Bozyk Christian Nieves Cody Schacht Mitchell Akemann

Fr. Fr. So. Fr. So. So. Fr. So. Fr. So. So. Fr. So. Fr. Fr. So. Fr.

C P/1B Util. CF/OF P 2B/C 3B/SS P/SS P/2B P P/OF C P P/OF C P P

Schedule

March 15..................Riverland 3, Ontario Blue Jays 0 March 15..................Ontario Blue Jays 7, Riverland 5 March 16.............................Riverland 9, Massasoit 1 March 16...........Riverland 10, Inside Pitch Academy 1 March 17...............Riverland 9, UConn Avery Point 2 March 17..............................Kirkwood 4, Riverland 3 March 18................Riverland 2, UConn Avery Point 1 March 20..................Riverland 15, Bethany College 0 March 20....................Riverland 6, Bethany College 5 March 21...........................Westchester 3, Riverland 2 March 21..............................Massasoit 2, Riverland 0 March 22...........Riverland 13, Cardinal Roy Quebec 3 March 30.........................Riverland 22, Fond Du Lac 1 April 2............................Western Tech. 3, Riverland 2 April 2............................Riverland 1, Western Tech. 0 April 10..vs. Gustavus at Riverland (DH), 3 p.m. April 12.....................at Minnesota West (DH), 1 p.m. April 13..............vs. Central Lakes (DH), 1 p.m. April 15.............vs. Luther College (DH) 2 p.m. April 18.......................at Anoka-Ramsey (DH), 2 p.m. April 19............................at Ridgewater (DH), 2 p.m. April 21.............vs. Western Tech. (DH), 2 p.m. April 26.....................at Minnesota State (DH), 1 p.m. April 27...............vs. St. Cloud Tech. DH, 1 p.m. April 30.......................at Luther College (DH), 2 p.m. May 3..............................vs. RCTC (DH), 1 p.m. May 6..................................at Gustavus (DH), 3 p.m.

RCC SOFTBALL ROSTER Mariah Caruth Samantha LeMay Emily Blanchard Lexie Schunke Rebecca Kopp Jamie Williamson Cortney Perrin Laura Siegfreid Danielle Groepper Brooke Erickson Rayna Eckman Ashley Sanderson Amy Reinhardt

Fr. Fr. So. So. Fr. Fr. So. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. So. So.

OF 1B Of P/1B SS C SS OF 1B P/OF P/OF 1B 2B

Schedule April 11...........................at Fergus Falls DH, at 3 p.m. April 12..............................at Ridgewater (DH), noon April 16................................at Luther JV (DH), 3 p.m. April 18................................at St. Cloud (DH), 3 p.m. April 19........................at Anoka-Ramsey (DH), noon April 22...at Minnesota West, doubleheader at 3 p.m. April 25.................vs. Fergus Falls (DH), 3 p.m. April 26.................vs. Ridgewater (DH), 2 p.m.

Riverland Softball 2014 Home baseball and softball games played at Riverland Community College For more information on Riverland athleticsvisit www.riverland.edu/athletics/

May 1...............................vs. RCTC (DH), 3 p.m. AUSTIN DAILY HERALD - SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW

FRIDAY, APRIL 11, 2014

Answering questions With gaps to fill, the defending state champs are showing urgency

Blooming Prairie’s Tessa Ivers runs at a pitch during BP’s semifinal game against Lewiston-Altura in last year’s Section 1A tournament at Todd Park. Herald file photo The Awesome Blossoms have a couple of big holes to fill as they take aim at getting back to the state tournament. Blooming Prairie, which went 23-3 last season, won its first Class A state title. The team has played in four-straight state tournaments, but the team will be looking at a new pitcher, catcher and shortstop this spring. BP head coach Ali Mach is looking for freshman Elly Strunk to take over in the circle with help from sophomore Kalyn Naatz, and veteran outfielder Tessa Ivers, who hit .371 with 18 stolen bases and 18 RBIs last season, will move in and play catcher. “Many of the girls on this team have experienced two years of tremendous success and we hope that success leads to continued

FRIDAY, APRIL 11, 2014

“Over the course of the last four years, the girls have grown accustomed to playing with urgency and working constantly to improve as individuals and as a team.” — Ali Mach, head coach improvement,” said Mach, who is 181-65 in 11 years at the helm. “We have a large group of seniors, who I expect to lead us, but I will also rely on Ivers and Madison Worke.” BP brings back plenty of pop in the lineup as freshman Bria Baldwin hit .410 last season and senior Sydney Heiber hit .342 with 22

RBIs last season. “I think one of our biggest strengths will be our experience in playing in big games,” Mach said. “Over the course of the last four years, the girls have grown accustomed to playing with urgency and working constantly to improve as individuals and as a team.”

Schedule

April 10..........................vs. Maple River, 4:30 p.m. April 11............................vs. Southland, 4:30 p.m. April 12.........at Maple River Tourn., 11 a.m. April 15....................................vs. Byron, 4:30 p.m. April 17..at United South Central, 4:30 p.m. April 24..........at New Richland-HEG, 5 p.m. April 25.................at Austin Elks Invite, TBA April 26.................at Austin Elks Invite, TBA April 28......vs Faribault Beth. Academy, 4:30 p.m. April 29....................at Randolph, 4:30 p.m. May 1...................at Maple River, 4:30 p.m. May 5..................................vs. Medford, 4:30 p.m. May 8..............vs. United South Central, 4:30 p.m. May 10...................Blooming Prairie Invite, 1 p.m. May 13....at Water.-Elsyian-Morris., 4:30 p.m. May 15...............vs. New Richland-HEG, 4:30 p.m. •Home games in bold SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW - AUSTIN DAILY HERALD

BP baseball riding experience The Awesome Blossoms are bringing in a lot of experience this year as they hope to improve on last season’s record of 5-8-1 overall. Blooming Prairie graduated just one player from last season and it brings back seven players with varsity experience. “We will have a number of individuals that we think will step up. Experience in players is valuable. It will be a joint effort,” said BP head coach Paul Peterson, who is in his third year at the helm. “We are looking to win games and

“We are looking to win games and be competitive.” -Paul Peterson, head coach be competitive.” BP has just 18 players on its roster in grades 9-12 so it will have to avoid injuries this season.

Schedule

April 10............................vs. Maple River, 5 p.m. April 11.................at Southland, 4:30 p.m. April 14.........................at Medford, 5 p.m. April 17....at United South Central, 5 p.m. April 21...vs. Water.-Elysian-Morristown, 5 p.m. April 22........................vs. Lyle-Pacelli, 4:30 p.m. April 24........at New Richland-HEG, 5 p.m. April 25....................vs. Alden-Conger, 4:30 p.m. April 28..........vs. Faribault BA (DH) at 4:30 p.m.

April 29.......................at Randolph, 5 p.m. May 1......................at Maple River, 5 p.m. May 5....................................vs. Medford, 5 p.m. May 6................................vs. Hayfield, 4:30 p.m. May 8................vs. United South Central, 5 p.m. May 10..........................at Goodhue, noon May 13....at Water.-Elysian-Morris., 5 p.m. May 15.................vs. New Richland-HEG, 5 p.m. •Home games in bold

BP boys track will see different looks The Blooming Prairie boys track and field team is bringing back 15 athletes from last year’s team as it hopes for a solid season. BP will get leadership from captains Cole Sunde, a sprinter and triple jumper, and distance runner Isaac Baker. “These two were elected by their peers for good reason: besides being strong athletes they are excellent, reliable leaders with great attitudes,” BP head coach Ryan Slack said. The Awesome Blossoms will also look toward thrower Collin Wobschall and distance runner Alec Ille to give the team a lift. BP has some good depth this season and it will use that to fill up its relay teams.

Schedule

Girls squad has good mix of experience, youth coming in

“We will be mixing up our April 8..................at New Richland-HEG, 4:30 p.m. relays and events April 10...................................at Hayfield, 4:30 p.m. early in the seaApril 15..................................at Stewartville, 4 p.m. son while we find April 22..........................Blooming Prairie Invite, 4:30 p.m. winning rosters The Blooming April 29..........................Blooming Prairie Invite, 4:30 p.m. Prairie girls track for our later May 6..............................................at Triton, 3 p.m. and field team meets,” Slack May 13.........................................Gopher Conference Meet will look to a said. “Varying at Blooming Prairie, 4:30 p.m. few returnees to events early in the •Home games in bold season also prelead the way this serves strength spring. and speed for all athletes and prevents faThe Awesome Blossoms will rely on junior tigue and plateauing. Near the end of April Alanna Grant in middle distance running, we will start getting really serious in dress junior Lauren Larkoski in high jump and rehearsals for the big meets.” middle distance running and junior Taylor

BP golf teams eying Schedule top of the conference The Blooming Prairie boys and girls golf teams are each hoping to finish near the top of the Gopher Conference this season as they have plenty of experienced golfers on each squad. “Experience will be our biggest strength,” BP head coach Erik Vigeland said. “The weather and not getting outside again will be our biggest weakness.” The BP girls bring back senior Anna Noble, who took 16th at the Class A state golf meet last season, and the squad brings back All-Gopher Conference golfers freshman Taylor Christianson and senior Katelyn Eischens. AUSTIN DAILY HERALD - SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW

The BP boys will bring back All Gopher Conference golfer Jon Hatch, a sophomore, and key golfers Victor Peterson, a senior, and Tommy Braaten, a freshman.

April 8....................at Stewartville G, 2 p.m. April 11.........................vs. Maple River, 4:30 p.m. April 12..............Blooming Prairie Invite B, 9 a.m. April 14.....................vs. Faribault BA B, 4:30 p.m. April 17.....................at Stewartville B, noon April 22................................vs. Triton B, 4:30 p.m. April 24.....at New Richland-HEG B, 4:30 p.m. April 25....at Jane.-Waldorf-Pem. B, 1:30 p.m. April 29........................at Triton G, 1:30 p.m.

Hagen in throwing events. The Blossoms also have some younger athletes, who saw time as middle schoolers last season. “I have a large freshman class this year that started to come on strong at the end of the season,” BP head coach Kari Botin, who is in her fifth year at the helm. “I am looking forward to seeing what they contribute this year.”

May 1..................at Faribault BA, 4:30 p.m. May 5...................at Maple River, 4:30 p.m. May 6.............vs. United South Central, 4:30 p.m. May 9.......at Jane.-Waldorf-Pem. G, 2 p.m. May 13....................New Richland-HEG, 4:30 p.m. May 15............at Gopher Conference Meet at Faribault, 10 a.m. •Home games in bold B: Boys meet only. G: Girls meet only

FRIDAY, APRIL 11, 2014

Gopher baseball and softball schedules Gopher Baseball Feb. 14........Gophers 3, N.Illinois 2 (10) Feb. 15..............Gophers 6, N. Illinois 4 Feb. 16............Gophers 11, N. Illinois 5 Feb. 21...........Gophers 10, Creighton 5 Feb. 22...........Creighton 11, Gophers 4 Feb. 23.............Creighton 8, Gophers 0 March 1...Gophers 4, Louis. Tech 2 (10) Louisiana Tech 3, Gophers 2 March 2....Gophers 6, Louisiana Tech 3

Chanticleer Classic

March 8....................Elon 5, Gophers 2 Gophers 5, Coastal Carolina 2 March 9.UNC Greensboro 4, Gophers 1 March 14..Gophers 2, Sacramento St. 1 March 15..Sacramento St. 6, Gophers 2 March 16....Gophers 5, Sacra. St. 3 (10) March 18...Gophers 15, Saint Mary's 11 March 19.....Gophers 12, Saint Mary's 1 March 22....Gophers 5, Northwestern 1 Northwestern 4, Gophers 3 March 23...Gophers 2, Northwestern 1 March 26..........vs. St. John's (Minn), PP March 29..Gophers 4, Michigan State 2 March 30.....Michigan State, Gophers 0 Michigan State 5, Gophers 0 April 2...............Gophers 1, Augsburg 0 April 4........Gophers 9, Michigan 6 (11) April 5.................Michigan 8 Gophers 1 April 6...............Gophers 3, Michigan 1 April 9.........at South Dakota St., 3 p.m. April 11....vs. Nebraska , 3:05 p.m. April 12....vs. Nebraska , 2:05 p.m. April 13....vs. Nebraska , 2:05 p.m. April 15...vs. Hamline U., 3:05 p.m. April 16..vs. N. Dakota St., 3:05 p.m. April 18........................at Iowa , 6 p.m. April 19........................at Iowa , 2 p.m. April 20.........................at Iowa , 1 p.m. April 25...vs. Penn State, 6:35 p.m. April 26...vs. Penn State, 6:05 p.m. April 27...vs. Penn State, 1:05 p.m. April 30...vs. St. Thomas, 6:35 p.m. May 2................at Florida State, 5 p.m. May 3................at Florida State, 5 p.m. May 4.................at Florida State, Noon May 6.......vs. Augsburg, 6:35 p.m. May 7......vs. Con. Moor., 6:35 p.m. May 9...........vs. Purdue , 6:35 p.m. May 10..........vs. Purdue, 6:05 p.m. May 11........vs. Purdue, 12:05 p.m. May 15.....................at Indiana, 7 p.m. May 16......................at Indiana, 7 p.m. May 17.....................at Indiana, 2 p.m.

Gopher baseball games played at Siebert Field, softball at Jane Sage Cowles Stadium For more information go to www.gopherssports.com

Gopher Softbaball

Tiger Classic

Feb. 7 ..................Gophers 8, Murray State 2 Gophers 1, Murray State 0 Feb. 8...............................Gophers 5, SIUE 0 Gophers 7, Central Arkansas 0 Feb. 9..............Gophers 1, Oklahoma State 0

Easton Desert Classic

Feb. 14............................Gophers 6, UNLV 0 Feb. 15............................Gophers 13, BYU 6 Gophers 11, Boise State 2 (5) Feb. 16...................Florida 15, Gophers 2 (6)

UNCG Spartan Classic

Feb. 21.....Gophers 3, George Washington 0 Feb. 22...............Gophers 12, vs. Army, 1 (5) Gophers 8, Hampton 0 (5) Feb. 23.....Gophers 8, at UNC Greens. 8-0 (5)

Louisville Slugger Invitational

Feb. 28....................Gophers 6, vs. Detroit 0 Gophers 11, South Carolina 4 March 2....Florida International 3, Gophers 1 Gophers 3, Arizona State 2

Mizuno Classic

March 7..........Gophers 11, Missouri State 4 Oklahoma State 5, Gophers 4 March 9........................Gophers 6, Drake 2

Chanticleer Showdown

March 14..........Gophers 7, Georgia State 0 March 15........................Gophers 2, Troy 0 Gophers 2, Coastal Carolina 0 March 16........................Gophers 4, Troy 2 March 19........Gophers 1, South Carolina 0 March 21................Gophers 7, Nebraska 2 March 23..............Gophers 13, Nebraska 4 Nebraska 3, Gophers 2 March 28.....................Gophers 8, Illinois 3 March 29................Gophers 8, Illinois 0 (6) Gophers 7, Illinois 0 April 6....................Wisconsin 2, Gophers 1 Gophers 3, Wis. 0 April 8............................Gophers 2, Iowa 0 Gophers 7, Iowa 0 April 11.......vs. Northwestern , 6 p.m. April 11.......vs. Northwestern , 1 p.m. April 13.......vs. Northwestern , 1 p.m. April 18........................at Michigan, 1 p.m. April 19........................at Michigan, 6 p.m. April 20........................at Michigan, Noon April 23........vs. North Dakota, 4 p.m. vs. North Dakota, 6 p.m. April 25............vs. Penn State , 6 p.m. April 26............vs. Penn State , 1 p.m. April 27............vs. Penn State , 1 p.m. April 30 .....vs. N.Dakota State, 2 p.m. vs. North Dakota State, 4 p.m. May 2.............................at Purdue, 3 p.m. May 3..............................at Purdue, Noon May 4...........................at Purdue, 11 a.m.

Big Ten Tournament

May 8-11......................Evanston, Ill., TBA

Big Ten Tournament May 21-24, Omaha, Neb., TBA

FRIDAY, APRIL 11, 2014

SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW - AUSTIN DAILY HERALD