Spring Sports Preview 2021 by West Central Tribune

Prep

2021 2021

Here’s your

Inside: Willmar Cardinals �� C2 NLS Wildcats �� C3

Litchfield Dragons �� C4 BOLD Warriors �� C5 BBE Jaguars �� C6 Montevideo Thunder Hawks �� C7 LQPV Eagles �� C8

guide to the season YME Sting �� C8 Minnewaska Lakers �� C9 ACGC Falcons �� C10 RCW Jaguars �� C11 Paynesville Bulldogs �� C12

Set your goals high, and don’t stop till you get there.

Wishing all area teams the best of luck this season! Play hard and have fun!

WWW.CHRISTIANSONCPA.COM Willmar • 320.235.5937 | Litchfield • 320.373.1040 | Paynesville • 320.235.5937

KMS Fighting Saints �� C13 CMCS Bluejays �� C13 Benson Braves �� C14 Dawson-Boyd Blackjacks �� C15 MACCRAY Wolverines �� C16

2 | WEDNESDAY, APRIL 28, 2021

PREP BASEBALL AND SOFTBALL PREVIEW 2021

Lots of new faces Willmar hopes Willmar, like most, will have no returning starters in 2021 BY TOM ELLIOTT

sophomore. He’s 6-foot-4 and has put on some weight since then. He struck out 10 in four innings. He’ll also play first base. ormally, the Willmar baseball Right-hander Dalton Ogdahl also saw a team would be in rebuilding mode. modicum of mound time in ‘19. “We don’t have a varsity start“We expect a lot of him on the er back,” Willmar head coach Tom mound,” DeBoer said. DeBoer said. There are six seniors, including Chase Of course, nothing’s normal in 2021, though everyone involved in Minnesota Dirksen, catcher Dylan Arndorfer, third baseman Hunter Magnuson, center State High School League-sponsored fielder Jeff Salonek and utility man sports is crossing their fingers that this Sam Etterman. spring IS as close to normal as possible. Juniors to watch include shortstop With no spring sports in 2020, many Ian Koosman, Brandt Sunder and Alex are in Willmar’s situation. While the Schramm. Second baseman Cayden Cardinals have only a handful of players Hansen also is someone to watch. who got so much as an at-bat or a couOthers expected to contribute include ple innings pitched, that’s the case for Jason Malmgren, Carter Schow and many programs. Sergio Fernandez. Like quite a few schools, Willmar was “Our (Central Lakes) conference tradiable to get in some non-sanctioned sum- tionally has been really strong,” DeBoer mer ball as well as some fall ball. said. “Alexandria, Brainerd and Rocori What DeBoer has seen suggests that it are always tough teams to beat and Sarcould be a good 2021 baseball season for tell, Sauk Rapids, Tech and Apollo are the Cards. always very competitive.” “That’s what I hope,” he said. Willmar plays in Section 6AAA with There’s reason for optimism. Lean Benilde-St. Margaret’s, Delano, DeLaSalleft-hander Andrew Baumgart threw le, Minneapolis Edison, Orono and Robbinsdale Cooper. a hand-full of innings, all in 2019 as a

telliott@wctrib.com

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to stay resilient Four starters back for the Cardinals from 2019 team BY JOE BROWN

jbrown@wctrib.com

he Willmar softball team has plenty of upperclassmen at its disposal with six juniors and five seniors. But after the 2020 spring season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the term upperclassmen takes on a different meaning. “We have to remind ourselves that even though we have several juniors,” said Cardinals head coach Shannon Cayler, “they don’t have the experience of the traditional junior.” With that in mind, Willmar will try to work on finding the right combination of players to compete in the Central Lakes Conference. The Cardinals bring back four starters from the 2019 team that went 10-12. Among those returners is Lily Reed, who is assuming No. 1 pitcher duties. Also back in the mix are Bentley Sjoberg and Carlie Berskow. Edyn Saulsbury, one of the captains along with Berskow, is working her way back from an ACL injury. Early on, Willmar has taken its licks with Alexandria and St. Cloud Tech sweeping the Cardinals in doubleheaders. But, Cayler is hoping those tough losses are in the rear-view mirror as the team looks to make improvements along the way. And according

Good Luck NLS Sports!

Ian Stumbo Erica Dischino / West Central Tribune

Fergus Falls’ Ian Stumbo tries to tag Willmar’s Dylan Arndorfer’s attempt to steal a base during a Central Lakes Conference game between Willmar and Fergus Falls on Thursday April 15, 2021 at Baker Field in Willmar.

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Edyn Saulsbury

Jared Rubado / Forum News Service

Willmar first baseman Edyn Saulsbury (14) waits for a throw from pitcher Carlie Berskow during Game 2 of a Central Lakes Conference doubleheader against Alexandria on Thursday, April 15, 2021 at Alexandria.

to the coach, this is a squad that can handle it. “They’re willing to bounce back as best they can,” Cayler said. “They’re not going to drag their chins and not going to pout. They’re good kids who love the game who are there to play the game. They will work hard and they will do to the best of their ability what they’re able to do.”

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PREP BASEBALL AND SOFTBALL PREVIEW 2021

Scuffling Wildcats gain experience New London-Spicer has started the season slowly BY TOM ELLIOTT

Cole Dolezal have contributed. Peyton Coahran, Christopherson, Woefel and Degner are being counted on he New London-Spicer baseball team has scuffled at the start of the for innings on the mound. NLS competes in the West Division 2021 season. of the Wright County Conference. The Wildcats are 0-3 after losses to Glencoe-Silver Lake is off to a 6-0 start, Morris/Chokio-Alberta, Glencoe-Silver followed by Litchfield (4-1), WaterLake and Litchfield to open the season. town-Mayer (3-2) and Howard Lake-WaHead coach Kyle Lieser and assistant verly-Winsted (3-2). coach Eric Terres are directing a team Annandale, Dassel-Cokato and Rockthat hasn’t played varsity high school ford are all seeking their first wins, like baseball since 2019 because the 2020 NLS, in the Wright County West. season was canceled due to the novel The Wildcats are one of 15 teams in coronavirus pandemic. Section 3AA. The section is extremely The Wildcats have featured a lineup competitive. Luverne, Benson, Atwathat has included Luke Ruter, Bennett ter-Cosmos-Grove City, Pipestone, Schultz, Gavin Degner, Hayden ChrisPaynesville and Minnewaska all figure to topherson, Mason Toutges, Logan Woefel, Matt Kraemer, Landin Brink and be contenders. Paynesville is defending Brody Lien. Kaiden Yeo, Jack Weber and section champion.

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 28, 2021 | 3

Nls has a strong core Wildcats’ seniors are multi-sport BY TOM ELLIOTT

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ew London-Spicer head softball coach Melissa Bergeson says her team has had to adjust to the realities of varsity softball after a twoyear layoff. The game’s faster and the Wildcats need to get up to speed. It should happen. Bergeson noted that her squad is filled with talent and several multisport athletes, including at least five who played in state tournaments this season. That includes senior catcher Brianna Deming, who is leading NLS in hitting after being a part of a state girls hockey tournament team with River Lakes. Also playing softball this spring are seniors Emma Hanson, Ava Kraemer and Mackenzie Rich, all members of the NLS girls basketball team that went 21-1 and made it to the state Class AA semifinals. Hanson plays center field. Kraemer plays first base and pitches and Rich plays shortstop. All saw extended action as sophomores when NLS went 11-13. “Emma was one of our best hitters,” Bergeson said of Hanson, who was on the West Central Tribune’s All-Area Girls Basketball Team as a first-team member. Kraemer and Rich also made the all-area squad.

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Emma Hanson

Jared Rubado / Forum News Service

New London-Spicer center fielder Emma Hanson runs down a pop fly for an out during a game against Litchfield on Friday, April 23, 2021 at Litchfield.

Nyla Johnson, a junior, also will be counted on to contribute. “When she was a freshman, she started a few games and pitched a lot on the JV,” Bergeson said. “So she’s got some varsity experience.”

NLS SOFTBALL: Page 5

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New London-Spicer second baseman Bennett Schultz reaches out to grab a chopper during a game against Litchfield on Friday, April 23, 2021 at Green Lake Diamonds in Spicer.

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4 | WEDNESDAY, APRIL 28, 2021

PREP BASEBALL AND SOFTBALL PREVIEW 2021

Dragons to be a force in Wright County West Long-time head coach Jeff Wollin has high hopes for Litchfield baseball BY MATTHEW CURRY

Among the players to watch this season are Litchfield’s top three pitchers: Avery Liestman, Ben Alsleben, who itchfield is a force to be reckoned earned a shutout victory on Thursday, with when it comes to baseball and Hunter Thiel, who pitched a shutwhen it comes to the 2021 season, out over New London-Spicer on Friday, averaging 5.2 runs per game in its first notching 13 strikeouts. Offensively, Benfive contests. nett Lecher, Bauer Wahl and Beau WeselNow in his 32nd season of coachoh are strong contributors at the plate. ing Litchfield baseball, Jeff Wollin is Wollin is impressed with the constant confident in his team’s abilities and progress his team has made in just over a their potential. week of baseball. “I think we’re one of the better teams “It does feel like as the week went on, in Wright County West,” he said. “It’s we’ve gotten a little better each game. just good to see we’re winning games I’m anxious to see where we can go from that we should win and we’re playing the here,” he said. “There are a lot of guys way I’d like to see us. I’ve been doing this contributing … a lot of guys bringing for a long time. Usually I see the teams in what they have to offer to the table getting better and it does feel so early in and it all kind of adds up to some wins this week.” the year.”

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Joe Brown / West Central Tribune

Litchfield’s Janessa Olson is all smiles as she approaches home plate after hitting a leadoff home run against New London-Spicer on Friday, April 23, 2021 at Litchfield.

Litchfield’s sights set high Dragons focused on conference, section crowns BY JOE BROWN

jbrown@wctrib.com

he Litchfield softball team was the Wright County Conference champion in 2019. And the Dragons are not ready to step down from the throne. Not only is a conference title on the mind of the players, but a run

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Janessa Olsen

to the state tournament is in Litchfield’s sights. “These girls are still defending conference champions from two years ago,” said Dragons head coach Luke Braaten. “That’s another goal of the girls.

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Ben Alsleben Joe Brown / West Central Tribune

Litchfield left fielder Ben Alsleben fires off a throw to the infield during a game against New London-Spicer on Friday, April 23, 2021 at Green Lake Diamonds in Spicer.

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PREP BASEBALL AND SOFTBALL PREVIEW 2021

Bold aims for another title

Mixed results so far for Bold softball

The ‘defending’ champs believe they’ll contend BY TOM ELLIOTT

Zeke Walton, Tim Peppel, Eli Walton, Xavier Basadula, Tate Sheehan, Ryan OLD baseball coach Brian Kingery King and Daylen Weber. won’t claim a 2020 state baseExpected to contribute are: Carball title, since the Warriors son Edwards, Kaden Fischer, Owen never played. Flann, Ryan Gass, Elliot Hagen and But you couldn’t blame him if he did. Riley Minkel. With most of his team coming back Elfering already has two home runs from 2019’s state Class A champiand Peppel, an excellent heavyweight onship, BOLD likely was the team to beat. Unfortunately for the Warriors, wrestler, also is a power threat. the season was canceled because of Herdina, the Walton brothers, Peppel the pandemic. and King already have seen time on And while BOLD can be called the the mound. “defending” state champion in 2021, the Kingery has had to juggle the lineup Warriors like their chances. a bit. But hopes to have it all sorted out They’re off to a 3-1 start, with only by the time the playoffs start. a loss to Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City, In the meantime the Warriors will another state contender. ACGC is coached by Mike Kingery, a former aim for a West Central Conference major leaguer and Brian Kingery’s uncle. title that’ll be fought out with Benson, Meanwhile, they’ve racked up wins Minnewaska, Sauk Centre and Melrose. against Renville County West, MonteMorris/Chokio-Alberta and Montevideo video and Minnewaska and have the will also compete in the conference. nucleus of a team that should contend Then, the Warriors will focus on Secin 2021. The lineup has featured Braeden Ter- tion 2A, which features Springfield (6-1) steeg, Avery Herdina, Aiden Elfering, and Mankato Loyola (4-1).

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 28, 2021 | 5

Warriors have looked good and taken their lumps BY TOM ELLIOTT

four and allowing two hits and no earned runs. But the Morris/CA loss suggests he BOLD Warriors have gotten there is work to be done. BOLD had off to a 1-2 start in softball this 10 errors against the Tigers, with Yasspring. The good news is that they beat Yel- mine Westerman picking up a four-inlow Medicine East 8-1 and came close ning no-hitter. Besides Morris/CA, the conference to beating Montevideo, falling 8-7 in their West Central Conference opener looks to be competitive and one that BOLD can compete in. Benson is 2-1. April 15. Then, there was a tough 23-0 loss to All the other teams have at least two Morris/Chokio-Alberta, the likely West losses, including Melrose (1-2), Montevideo (2-2), Sauk Centre (0-3) and Central favorite. Minnewaska Area (2-5). Head coach Heidi Mack has fielded BOLD is in Section 3A. There is a lineup that has featured Maddie one unbeaten team so far, Edgerton/ Ridler, Delany Tersteeg, Kilee ElferSouthwest Minnesota Christian (5-0). ing, Caylee Weber, Maddy Brummer, Kendra Nolting, Jenna Bohlin, Maura Wabasso (4-1), Lac qui Parle Valley (4-1), Kerkhoven-Murdock-SunHagen and Arabelle Walton, with Shayleen Skold and Isabel O’Neill con- burg (3-1), Red Rock Central/Westbrook-Walnut Grove (4-2) and Rustributing. sell-Tyler-Ruthton (1-1) figure to be Weber homered against Montevicontenders. deo. She and Walton have pitched. That puts the Warriors likely in the Weber tossed a two-hitter at YME in the opener, striking out seven, walking middle of the pack in 3A.

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NLS SOFTBALL From Page 3

Another senior is utility player Makenna Kohls. Juniors are Sadie Hatlestad, Hailey Luberts, Courtney Ronning, Caitlin Wileman and Ellie Hanson. Sophomore Raeann Holmquist and ninth-grader Emily Ruter are expected to contribute.

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Brian Kingery & Braeden Tersteeg

The Wildcats are off to an 0-4 start, but haven’t had everyone counted on to be in the lineup. Errors have been a concern. NLS has given up 48 runs so far, though Rockford, Glencoe-Silver Lake and Litchfield all figure to be especially strong in the Wright County Conference. “We’ve got some work to do,” Bergeson said.

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Erica Dischino / West Central Tribune

BOLD head baseball coach Brian Kingery (left) waves home Braeden Tersteeg for a run during a game against Minnewaska on Thursday, April 22, 2021 at Marthaler Field in Glenwood.

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6 | WEDNESDAY, APRIL 28, 2021

PREP BASEBALL AND SOFTBALL PREVIEW 2021

So far, so good BBE aims for for BBE Jaguars improvement in 2021 Baseball team opened with an impressive sweep

BY TOM ELLIOTT

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he Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa baseball team got off to about as good a start as could be expected in 2021, handling the Kimball Cubs twice in a doubleheader. BBE’s 18-1 and 12-3 victories suggest that the Jaguars will be serious contenders in the Central Minnesota Conference and in the mix in an unusually difficult Section 6A. Head coach Pat Illies’ squad opened the season with a lineup that featured Will Van Beck, Blaine Fischer, Andrew Weller, Payton Winter, Gavin Kampsen, Jacob Walz, Tanner Shelton, Ben Waller and Wyatt Steffenson. Casey Lenarz, Easton Hagen, Nate Walstrom, Nick Fuchs, Jeb Jones also contributed with Tate Dekok and Talen Kampsen expected to contribute. Leading the way offensively is Gavin Kampsen, who is batting .750 (6-for-8) to start the season Payton Winter, Easton Hagen, Van Beck, Steffensen and Gavin Kampsen have pitched. The conference will be competitive.

DRAGONS SOFTBALL From Page 4

And we’re playing in a new section in Section 3AA; we didn’t get to play there last year. Normally, we go through Maple Lake and Norwood (Young America) to get to state. “It’s going to be interesting, it’s going to be fun and I think we’re excited for that new challenge.” Looking to reach state for the first time since finishing as the Class A runner-up in 1990, Litchfield is 3-1 as of

Jaguars struggled in their first season under new coach early and Maple Lake is a perennial power. telliott@wctrib.com The Irish are one ric Primus of the teams to became beat and have Bela schedule in grade-Broowhich they ten-Elrosa’s have played head softball larger-school coach in 2019 after state powleading the ers Chaska Kimball Cubs and Mankato to the state West. They also tournament. beat Eden ValA Melrose High ley-Watkins 22-0. School and Southwest BBE’s Section 6A Minnesota State graduhas four unbeaten ate, he’s a special educa- lashing out 11 hits. teams including Clintion instructor at BBE. Key contributors ton-Graceville-Beardsley At Kimball, he took offensively have been (4-0), Parkers Prairie over for hall-of-fame Kyle Winter, Kailey (3-0), Browerville/ coach Gary Riess, who Fischer, Abby Tensen, started the Cubs’ proEagle Valley (2-0) and Faith Radermacher, gram. With Riess as Rothsay (1-0). BranBree Radermacher, an assistant coach, the Emma Buysee and Kaley don-Evansville (4-1), Cubs went to state in Hancock (2-1), West Fischer. 2016 and ‘17. Central Area (2-1), They have a steady In his first season strike-thrower in Jozey Benson (2-1) and New coaching the Jaguars, York Mills are all off to Goodall, who walked BBE went 4-18. The good starts. 2020 season, of course, three and allowed two was canceled because of earned runs in six innings against Swanthe pandemic. ville. Primus and the JagDefensive miscues uars are expecting a have been a problem. much better showing The Jaguars made six in 2021. Restaurant 254-3204 C-Store 254-3108 errors in the Swanville They have opened • Warm Mini • Salads with losses to Eden Val- game. Cookies • Take & Bake • ATM BBE’s Central Minneley-Watkins (17-2) and Pizza • Lottery • Broaster sota Conference figures Swanville (11-8). • Gift Cards Chicken • Burgers Against the Bulldogs, to be tough. Holding“Fresh From • Pizza • Tacos the Coop”! they hit the ball well, ford (3-0) is unbeaten

BY TOM ELLIOTT

E Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City, new to the CMC, should be one of the best teams. Paynesville, a perennial power, also will contend for the title. The Jaguars have non-conference games against Browerville/Eagle Valley, Sauk Centre, Upsala/Swanville Area, Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg and Melrose. USA is off to a 5-0 start. KMS is 4-0. Both are in BBE’s Section 6A. The Jaguars also must watch out for Ashby (4-0), New York Mills (3-0) and Brandon-Evansville (4-1), who all are off to good starts and are likely to be 6A contenders. April 23, with a 2-0 record against Section 3AA teams. Early on, the Dragons are proving a tough team to crack on the defensive end. All three wins were shutouts. In the circle, Taylor Draeger has a 3-1 record with 16 strikeouts. Offensively, Avery Stilwell has had multiple hits in all four games and has a .625 average with a home run, seven RBIs and five runs scored. Emma DeWolf has also come out strong with a .500 average. Along with Draeger, Stilwell and DeWolf, the Dragons had three other starters back from 2019: Janessa Olson; Sydney McCann; and Kristin Foley.

Good Luck BBE Jaguars!

PREP BASEBALL AND SOFTBALL PREVIEW 2021

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 28, 2021 | 7

Thunder Hawks show some promise Montevideo figures to be improved from 2019 BY TOM ELLIOTT telliott@wctrib.com

Thunder Hawks hope to H put the pieces in place Montevideo, playing a rugged schedule, has some talent BY TOM ELLIOTT

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he Montevideo baseball team, like most, is starting fresh in 2021 after missing the 2020 season. The Thunder Hawks are off to an 0-5 start, so there is some work to do for head coach Tim Epema’s squad. There’s some talent, so things should get better. Montevideo already has played four state-tournament contenders in Minnewaska, Paynesville, BOLD and Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg. In fact, Paynesville, BOLD and KMS all were in the state tournament in 2019, the last time it was played. BOLD, in fact, is defending state Class A champion. Colby Buseman is expected to be a senior leader. He’s a third baseman/ shortstop/pitcher who batted .254 as a sophomore with 12 RBI. He also had a 2-2 record on the mound with a 3.96 earned-run average. “Colby loves baseball,” Epema said in 2020. “He is fiercely competitive and

does whatever it takes to win.” Senior Infielder Landen Knoshal and catcher/outfielder Ethan Montantes and juniors Gage Augeson and Kaden Boike are expected to contribute. Augeson pitches and plays infield and outfield. Boike also pitches and plays infield and outfield. Others to watch include Gavin Johnson, Brady Snell, Bryson Mahlstrom, Jason Jerve, Isaac Moravetz and Grayson Eisenlohr. Johnson and Snell pitch. Zach Maroney, Cooper Dake, Luke Kuno and Dylan Spray also should contribute. The Thunder Hawks play in Section 3AA, which is exceptionally tough. The 16-team section includes: Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City, Benson, Fairmont, Jackson County Central, Luverne, Minnewaska, Morris/Chokio-Alberta, New London-Spicer, Paynesville, Redwood Valley, St. James, Tracy-Milroy-Balaton and Windom.

ead coach Madison Sletta leads a Montevideo Thunder Hawks softball team that has shown some promise so far this season. Montevideo has secured victories over West Central Conference opponents BOLD and Sauk Centre by identical 8-7 scores. The Thunder Hawks also have withstood losses to Morris/ Chokio-Alberta (16-2) and the Wabasso Rabbits (16-2). Their lineup has featured Zola Olson, Megan Anderson, Kassey Pauling, Lexi Brockmoller, Mathea Jorgenson, Kylie Cobb, Jaysa Herfendal, Emily Brace, Cali Molde, Alyssa Sachs, Amery Arends, Brittany Yeager, Tenley Epema and Kelly Foley. When things are clicking, the Thunder Hawks have some punch in the lineup. They had 17 hits against Sauk Centre, including a 4-for-4

effort from Kylie Cobb, who hit a couple of doubles and drove in

what other teams will contend in the conference. Melrose (1-2), Benson (2-2) and Minnewaska (2-5) will compete with Montevideo (2-2), Sauk Centre (0-3) and BOLD (1-2). There are currently four undefeated teams in Section 3AA, including St. James (8-0), five runs. Morris/CA, Pipestone Lexi Bockmoller has (6-0) and Minneota/ batted clean-up and Canby (2-0). Tracy-Milproduced in two games. roy-Balaton (4-1), She belted a home run Litchfield (3-1) and against Sauk Centre Dassel-Cokato (2-1) all and a triple against have one loss. Morris/CA. Anderson is the ace. Pauling also pitches. Walks are a concern. The Thunder Hawks were 4-13 in 2019, the last time they played. SOLUTIONS, It’s clear they can beat SERVICE & SUPPORT that record. By how EST. 1948 much will be determined by how they play Residential & and how they handle Commercial Wiring the rigors of the West Central Conference and PH: 320.329.8317, Section 3AA. 222 North Main St, Morris/CA figures to Renville, MN be one of the top teams in the West Central communityelectric@ after getting off to a communityelectricusa.com 7-0 start. It’s not clear

8 | WEDNESDAY, APRIL 28, 2021

PREP BASEBALL AND SOFTBALL PREVIEW 2021

Lqpv picks up some new athletes

Hedlund, Conn join the baseball the Eagles’ baseball team BY TOM ELLIOTT

Back from a 2019 squad that went 17-7 is shortstop Carter Amdahl. He’s eteran Lac qui Parle Valley base- the Eagles’ No. 3 hitter. “He’s the only guy back who played ball coach Bart Hill is guardedly optimistic about the 2021 season. a lot of varsity,” Hill said. “He’s a good player and a good hitter.” For starters, the Eagles have picked Hill also has high expectations for up a couple of top athletes from pitcher Avery Wittnebel, whom he calls other sports. another excellent athlete. Evan Heglund and Maverick Conn, “He’s gotten bigger and stronger,” who each had participated in track and Hill said. “He’s a wrestler and that field, are playing baseball this spring. certainly helped him. His velocity “They’re really good athletes, so that’s is decent.” encouraging,” said Hill, who has been Hill expects Kerkhoven-MurLQPV’s head coach since 1996. dock-Sunburg, which beat LQPV to go Conn was on the West Central Trito state in 2019, to be the team to beat bune’s All-Area Basketball team, makin the Camden Conference. ing the first team. He’s headed to the In Section 3A, KMS and Renville University of Minnesota-Morris to con- County West are expected to be top tinue his basketball career. teams in the North Division. Minneo“I think they’ll both be in the starting ta may lead the South, which it did in 2019. lineup soon,” Hill said.

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Yme has reason for optimism The Sting have shown promise in their early games BY TOM ELLIOTT

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he Yellow Medicine East Sting had a promising start to the 2021 baseball season by blowing the doors off Ortonville in the opener. YME beat the Trojans 13-4. Since beating Ortonville,there have been two close losses. YME fell 14-13 to Minneota. The Sting led 13-6 heading into the bottom of the seventh inning, when the Vikings scored eight runs. Then, YME fell 7-6 to Pipestone. Everything suggests so far that head coach Trevor Schulte’s squad should be improved from the 2019 team that went 6-14. YME has gone with a lineup that has featured Hunter Wilke, Nickson Knapper, Ty Schulte, Cole Fischer, Cody Dalagher, Nolan Hildahl, Bryce Sneller, Caleb Jans, Tyler Nordaune, Jake Odegard,

Judson Martin, Isaac Jimenez and Khristian Louwagie. Jans, Wilke, Knapper, Schulte, Dalagher and Sneller have all seen mound time, with the Sting using multiple pitchers in every game. They’ve hit the ball well, getting hits all across the lineup. They hope to contend in the Camden Conference, where Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg, Minneota, Russell-Tyler-Ruthton and Lac qui Parle Valley have gotten off to strong starts. Only Tracy-Milroy-Balaton (0-5) and Dawson-Boyd (0-3) have yet to win a game. Minneota and R-T-R appear to be among the favorites in YME’s Section 3A. Other teams to watch are Adrian (4-1), Murray County Central (3-1), MACCRAY, Wabasso (2-1), Red Rock Central/Westbrook-Walnut Grove (3-2), Renville County West (2-2), LQPV (1-1) and Central Minnesota Christian (1-1).

Lqpv has eyes set on conference title

The Eagles hope to return to conference championship after falling in ‘18-19 BY MATTHEW CURRY

are basically just building off a pretty skinny year of competition and practices alone, it’s impressive to see … ac qui Parle Valley is on par to They’re aggressive, they’re eager and be in the running for the Camthey’re all hungry.” den Conference championship LQPV will be looking for sucin softball. cess from Cassandra Olson, Rylee The Eagles finished its 2019 seaSawatzky, Macie Lund and Tori son at 19-6, nearly making their way Bumgarden for success throughout to state before falling to Edgerton/ the remainder of the season. Each Southwest Christian to advance to is strong in the outfield and at state. Two seasons later, LQPV still the plate. looks to be on the verge of continuWith the Eagles averaging 16 runs ing that success in the new season, a game, with an average winning currently owning a 4-1 record, score of 14.5 runs, LQPV is on the only falling to Kerkhoven-Murverge of obtaining its goal of being dock-Sunburg in a doubleheader split conference champion. Larsen says on Friday. the team is primarily focused on Despite being able to only have playing its best softball, but has its some summer practices last summer, eyes set on having a re-do of the concoach Janet Larsen is happy about ference title. playing official softball with her “We’re running and gunning for a team this season. conference championship,” Larsen “It’s been real fun to get them said. “We’d love to get back to that championship game.” back,” she said. “Knowing that we

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Progression will be the key for Yme Yellow Medicine East prepares for progress 2021 BY MATTHEW CURRY

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ellow Medicine East has been dealt a challenge to begin the new campaign, but looks to be on the track to success. After losing a core of seniors last season, YME has had to endure playing younger players, and players in different positions due to injuries. However, Jen Sneller, who is in her ninth season as head coach, believes the team is progressing at a rapid pace. “I think if you let them know what the standard is going to be or what the expectation is going to be, the kids will work up to those expectations,” Sneller said.

YME: Page 9

BEST OF LUCK to the ACGC Falcons & to the Litchfield Dragons for a winning season!

Main Office 1025 E. Frontage Rd., Litchfield, MN 55355 320.693.2821 Atwater Location 16319 Hwy. 12 NE, Atwater, MN 56209 320.974.8868 Litchfield Location 511 Polydome Dr., Litchfield, MN 55355 320.693.6014

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 28, 2021 | 9

‘Waska looking to Lakers depend on win the arms race’ their upper classes Lakers feature strong starting rotation as they look to repeat as West Central champs BY JOE BROWN

Behind him is Aaron Ver Steeg, who is committed to play baseball at Division III Concordia College in Moorhead. innewaska baseball is hoping “Our pitching depth is pretty good,” to stay atop the West Central Brian Gruber said. “We got Darion at the Conference. And led by a strong top and we got Aaron as a solid number stable of arms, the Lakers are raring for two. Mitchell (Gruber) can come in as another run at the top and hopefully a three.” towards the program’s first state berth Going 14-5 in 2019, the Lakers have since 2000. jumped out to a 3-2 record in 2021, “We’re learning some things about our including a 2-1 mark in the West Central. team and learning some things about “It’s slow going right now and every some individual players,” said Minnewas- team is facing the same thing,” Brian ka head coach Brian Gruber. “Hopefully Gruber said. “You have juniors that havwe just continue to improve and get en’t played any varsity baseball, even better and start playing our best baseball some seniors that have never played come May sometime.” varsity baseball. And then you have the At the top of rotation is Darion Alexan- late start to the season and the weather der, who was a dynamo on the mound as doesn’t allow us to get outside very much. a sophomore. In 2019, he had a 0.24 ERA But I’m not complaining; every team is with 24 strikeouts in 29 innings, going dealing with that. It’s a different mindset this year.” 4-2 in the process.

jbrown@wctrib.com

Minnewaska has five seniors, four juniors playing key roles BY TOM ELLIOTT

lead-off spot in the order. Other players to match include pitcher Avery Hoeper, center fieldeniors and juniors will play er Leah Hagen, Leslie Murkin, first prominent roles on the Minnebaseman Maddy Meulebroeck and waska softball team, which like everyone else missed the 2020 season catcher Grace Larson. The key for the Lakers will be to because of the pandemic. reduce the number of mistakes they How the Lakers will do will depend make. on how the classes of 2021 and ‘22 “We’re going to try to play some do this season. clean softball and work on the little “We’re pretty heavy in the upper things,” Weber said. classes, senior-dominated,” head After not playing since 2019, coach Jason Weber said. Minnewaska has hopped right into There are five seniors and the 2021 season full-bore. The Lakfour juniors. ers went into an April 27 game at Seniors include: second baseman New London-Spicer having already Mikayla Martin, pitcher/third baseplayed seven games. Included were man Makena Panitzke, pitcher/ wins over Breckenridge and Otter third baseman Rylee Metz, left field- Tail Central in the Minnewaska er Britta Nelson and right fielder tournament, including a loss to BranBrecklyn Bayer. don-Evansville. A definite player to watch is junior They’ve also been swept by Benson shortstop Olivia Richards, who and lost to Morris/Chokio-Alberta in played as a ninth-grader. She figures West Central Conference games and fell to a strong Osakis squad. to be an offensive catalyst from the

telliott@wctrib.com

YME From Page 8

ka s a w e n n Mi

Brian Gruber Joe Brown / West Central Tribune

Minnewaska head baseball coach Brian Gruber talks to his infield during a break in the action against BOLD on Thursday, April 22, 2021 at Marthaler Field in Glenwood.

“We knew going into the season that it was going to be a growing and rebuilding year for us knowing what we lost last year. Right away from our very first preseason meeting that’s what we told the girls.” YME started off slow with a four-game losing streak. However, the team earned its first win on Thursday with a narrow 11-10 victory over Russell-Tyler-Ruthton. The Sting will be looking for continued success

from Hannah Stark and Maddie Burns with their strong at-bats, along with Baylie Sneller. The head coach says the goal is all about progression throughout the season. “The goal is to just learn from each game and build from each game to hopefully produce a winning record at the end of the season,” Jen Sneller said. “Our goal is to do all the fundamental things correctly, the everyday things in practice to get extraordinary results at the end of the season.”

Good Luck to all the ACGC students!

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Experienced Acgc hopes to make a run Falcons have five starters from 2019 returning BY TOM ELLIOTT

telliott@wctrib.com

hile everyone in high school baseball has had challenges with playing games after the 2020 season, Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City has made the most of it. ACGC played 12 American Legion-level games last summer, then got in a healthy dose of fall ball. The Falcons also have five seniors who started as sophomores in 2019, the last time ACGC High School played. That makes ACGC the area’s most-experienced team. The five seniors include Josh Kingery, head coach Mike Kingery’s son. Josh is a hard-throwing left-hander and hard-hitting center fielder who has received a

scholarship offer from the University of Minnesota. He’s one of the state’s top seniors and will lead the way. Also back are pitcher/infielder Connor Barker, pitcher/outfielder Zach Bagley, pitcher/shortstop Jack Peterson and outfielder Malcom Ludwig. “When everybody’s good to go, we should have some good pitching depth,” said Mike Kingery, who is in his sixth season as ACGC’s head coach. “We’re hoping to have people who can throw the ball. “And hopefully, the lineup will be strong.”

Preventing runs key for Acgc Falcons have gotten their share of hits so far

ACGC BASEBALL: Page 13 BY TOM ELLIOTT

ninth-grader Kady Martin, Giselle Grahn and Kendall Martin. he Atwater-CosYes, the Falcons are mos-Grove City young. softball team has ACGC was 11-8 in some talent and certain2019. ly can hit the ball. This season, all four Preventing others losses have been to Cenfrom scoring and shoring up the pitching and tral Minnesota Conference foes. It’s a new condefense will be the Falcons’ main challenges in ference for the Falcons, who joined the CMC 2021. ACGC is off to an 0-4 for the 2020-21 school year. Also in the league start, with losses to Paynesville (18-3), Eden are Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa, Holdingford, Valley-Watkins (21-6) and Royalton (10-2 and Kimball and Maple Lake. The Irish are perennial 14-1). favorites who have been Coach Bill Nelson to state five times since II’s squad has gotten 2008, winning a state its share of hits, led by ninth-grader Haley Wil- title in 2018 and finishner, eighth-grader Macy ing second in ‘08, ‘09, ‘15 and ‘17. Elton, ninth-grader The Falcons’ SecAlly Giese, ninth-grader tion 3A has 15 teams, Taylor Hoekstra, sophomore Abbie Kragenincluding Dassel-Cokato, bring, Hailey Burroughs, Jackson County Central, telliott@wctrib.com

gc c A

Josh Kingery File Photo

ACGC’s Josh Kingery rounds third and heads for home as ACGC’s head coach Mike Kingery looks on during a game against Sauk Centre on May 21, 2019 in Atwater

Litchfield, Luverne, Minneota/Canby, Minnewaska, Montevideo, Morris/Chokio-Alberta, New London-Spicer, Pipestone, Redwood Valley, St. James, Tracy-Milroy-Balaton and Windom.

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Rcw has some talent to compete

Rcw hopes to continue its success

Jaguars have six starters back from 2019

With learning and teamwork, Jaguars have big hopes

BY TOM ELLIOTT

Ashburn is on the West Central Tribune All-Area Boys Basketball Team, telliott@wctrib.com making the first team. He also was on he Renville County West baseball the Trib’s all-area football team. team has some talent and one of Also expected to make contributions the area’s most-veteran coaches in are senior Jake Haney and juniors Tyler Randy Schaub. The Jaguars also have had strong foot- Amsden, Ben Gislason, Caleb Hoff and ball and basketball seasons, with many of Camden Wohlman. Schaub returns for his 35th year in those players out for baseball. coaching. He has spent the last 31 at They hope all that means they’ll be a RCW and has a 349-291 career record. force this spring. The Jaguars are off to a 2-2 start. Returning starters from 2019 include They opened with back-to-back losses to center fielder Riley Ashburn, outfielder/ Adrian and BOLD, but have since beaten pitcher/shortstop Brandon Hoberg, the Wabasso Rabbits and Dawson-Boyd shortstop/pitcher Tyler Froland, left Blackjacks. They figure to contend in the fielder Blake Engstrom, catcher/pitcher/ rugged Camden Conference, which again outfielder Ayden Gustafson and first will be expected to be strong. baseman/pitcher Landon Turner. All but RCW BASEBALL: Page 12 Foland are seniors. Froland’s a junior.

There’s a New Storm Brewing! 2021 Wolverine Baseball, Softball, Tennis, Golf and Track & Field

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BY MATTHEW CURRY

mcurry@wctri.bcom

enville County West had high hopes following the end of the 2018-19 season. With the loss of the 220 season due to the pandemic, RCW hopes to continue its former success. The Jaguars concluded the 2019 season with a 14-9 record, its best record since the 2010, when it went 13-9. Two years later, RCW has had a balanced start to its new campaign. Losing the first two games, the Jaguars have earned back-to-back victories to even out their record. Head coach Rachel Ebbers says the

season is more about learning and letting the success come in time. “We’re going to take one game at a time and really work on those fundamentals and knowledge of the game in general,” Ebbers said. “We’re constantly growing. With every game we’ve played, I can see that they’re becoming more and more confident at the plate, especially for the ones that have never played in competition at this level.” The team is led by Holly and Jennifer Bratch, a dynamic sister duo that is sure to do great things for the Jaguars.

RCW SOFTBALL: Page 12

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No kidding:Paynesville New coach takes over should be good at Paynesville Bulldogs have a solid mix of vets and young talent

Zach Nelson, who has coached at BBE, leads the Bulldogs

BY TOM ELLIOTT

upon to make contributions. There’s a talented junior class that includes first baseman Chase Bayer, or a program that has won a lot of games over the years, it occurred to pitcher/outfielder Trent Wentlandt, second baseman Jevon Terres and pitcher/ head coach Brad Skoglund that it outfielder Bennett Evans. had been a while when practice started Three sophomores contribute: in 2021. catcher/pitcher Eli Nelson, shortstop “It’s been 680 days since you won a Grayson Fuchs and catcher/utility man game,” Skoglund said he was told. “I Max Athmann. thought, geeze, that’s pretty good. We “We’re going to be OK this year,” said went two years without a loss.” Skoglund, who is in his 34th year at Kidding aside. The Bulldogs figPaynesville and has a staff that includes ure to be strong. They’re coming off Ron Fuchs, Rick Hendrickson, John a 2019 state tournament berth and have a mix of veterans and talented Kueffler and Dave Oehrlein. “We pracyounger players. tice very well. There are six seniors. Pitcher/third “When we got started, I was conbaseman Ryan Messer, catcher/third cerned that we didn’t know how to pracbaseman Abe Bullard, left fielder Tanner tice. But we do practice hard. We get Stanley, center fielder Drew Tangen, after it pretty good.” right fielder Cooper Bast and second baseman Tori Olmscheid will be counted PAYNESVILLE BASEBALL: Page 13

BY TOM ELLIOTT

telliott@wctrib.com

ach Nelson was hired just before the season to be Paynesville’s softball coach. He’s got a lengthy background in youth baseball and softball and helped coach at Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa more than a decade ago. While he has a son on the baseball team, he’s learning a lot about his softball team. “How are we going to be this year?” he asked, repeating a question. “It’s tough to say. “Basically, it comes down to how we all come together. Everybody’s in the same boat.” Nelson has a young team that will be led by seniors Olivia Haines and Madison Leyendecker and Taylor Schmit. On the mound, Lynzee Wander has the most experience, having played some as a ninth-grader. She’s a junior. Paynesville’s roster includes eighth-graders Cadence Roeske, Adrianna Messer and Jaden Pauls.

RCW BASEBALL From Page 11

s g o lld u B

RCW competes in Section 3A. There are 16 teams, including Central Minnesota Christian, Dawson-Boyd, Lac qui Parle Valley, MACCRAY and

Brad Skoglund Briana Sanchez / Tribune

Paynesville head coach Brad Skoglund high fives players during a 2017 game in Paynesville.

RCW SOFTBALL From Page 11

“They’ve just been very dedicated and are very well informed of the game,” Ebbers said. “I kind of look to them to help me teach the other girls.”

“When you ask me how we’re going to do, all I can say is that three of our kids were in sixth grade the last time Paynesville played,” Nelson said. Paynesville’s Central Minnesota Conference includes Maple Lake, a traditional power, as well as Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City, Belgrade-Brooten, Eden Valley-Watkins, Holdingford, Kimball and Royalton. The Bulldogs are in Section 6AA. There are 17 teams, including Albany and Annandale. Annandale went to state in 2019. “We’re just going to have to see (about the section),” Nelson said.

Yellow Medicine East. Also competing in 3A are Adrian-Ellsworth, Canby, Edgerton/Southwest Minnesota Christian, Ellsworth, Lakeview , Minneota, Murray County Central, Red Rock Central/Westbrook-Walnut Grove, Russell-Tyler-Ruthton and Wabasso.

Ebbers says the goal is more focused on helping the team understand the beauty of softball after having a year off. “My goal is to help instill that love of softball … just to instill that sense of team spirit, supporting each other and things like that,” she said.

PREP BASEBALL AND SOFTBALL PREVIEW 2021

Kms will be a team to watch

Suter’s Saints look to be force

Fighting Saints are still loaded after ‘19 state run BY TOM ELLIOTT

Since ‘19, the coaching staff has changed. Jed Nelson and Wade Adamson telliott@wctrib.com are co-head coaches. Matthew Fragodt, he Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg baseball team would like to pick up the head boys basketball coach, and Dana where it left off in 2019, with a state Moelnaar also are on the staff. “It all happened very late,” said Johntournament berth and among the best son, who moved into his current position teams in Class A. over the winter. The Fighting Saints went 21-4 in ‘19 Everything seems to be working so far. and return enough talent after a year hiaKMS is off to a 4-0 start. tus that would suggest they’re capable of The Fighting Saint that people most another state run. talk about is Alex Call. The lanky left“I think we’ve got some guys who are hander, who stands 6-foot-4, is one of very talented,” KMS assistant coach Justhe top players in the state in the Class of tin Johnson said. There are five seniors. Jaiden Henjum, 2022. He already has committed to the University of Arizona Wildcats, a member Isaac Rudningen, Chase Magaard and of the PAC-12. Isaac Call all contributed as sophomores. So far this spring, Alex Call is 2-0 with a Junior catcher/pitcher Wylee Lottman 0.00 earned-run average. In nine innings, also returns, as does Alex Call. he has struck out 20, walked three and Utility man/pitcher Jared Cortez, a allowed two hits. He’s also batting .625 ninth-grader, is expected to be a big with a double, a triple and six RBI. contributor. He’s the son of former head Rudningen leads the squad with an .833 coach Jamie Cortez. average (5-for-6) with five walks and a Others to watch include outfielder hit-by-pitch. Travis Engelke (.667), Devon Hunter Wilts, outfielder Devon SwanSwanson (.444), Forsell (.417), isaac Call son, second baseman Brad Wilke and (.385), Wilts (.375), Lottman (.333) and first baseman/third baseman/pitcher Cortez (.300) are off to notable starts. Brody Forsell.

Eileen Suter’s key coaching skills will be useful due to the return of spring sports were really junior high players the last time they played,” Suter said. mcurry@wctrib.com Senior outfielder Maret Gjerde is he Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunset to be a key role for KMS, along burg softball team looks to be a with heavy hitter Hailey Nichols and strong contender in the Camden Lauren Krieger, who Suter holds in Conference. high regard. Under Eileen Suter, who is in her “Krieger is probably the hardest 29th season of coaching, the Saints worker I think I’ve ever coached, and have started the season 3-1 with this is my 29th season, so that says two high-scoring finishes over Dawa lot,” she said. “She pitches, plays in son-Boyd followed by a doubleheader the infield, solid hitter, just a great split against Lac qui Parle Valley kid.” on Friday. With the team getting readjusted For Suter, the challenging aspect to the game, Suter says this season is has been re-teaching the game of getting back to the basics. softball with the team playing its first “There are a lot of situational plays spring season in two years. that we’re not used to doing. We just “I go out there and there’s so much got to work on a lot of different types to teach them because they missed of situation plays and get the kids so they’re more common with the game that year. A lot of my starters are and get them comfortable out there,” sophomores and I got freshmen out there and a couple more of them, they she said.

BY MATTHEW CURRY

ACGC BASEBALL From Page 10

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There are no fewer than nine players who are listed as pitchers on the roster, including Keegan Kessler-Gross, Jaxon Behm, Sam Rouser, Logan Straumann and Terrell Renne. The early returns have been good. The Falcons are 5-1 with wins over Minnewaska, Paynesville, BOLD and Eden Valley-Watkins with a doubleheader split against Royalton.

Alex Call Tribune file photo

Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg’s Alex Call pitches during a Class A baseball state quarterfinal game against Randolph on Thursday, June 13, 2019, at the Mini Met in Jordan.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 28, 2021 | 13

PAYNESVILLE BASEBALL From Page 12

The Bulldogs opened with an extra-inning loss to Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City. ACGC figures to be one of the top teams in the Central Minnesota Conference, though it’s new to the CMC.

Minnewaska and Paynesville are considered Class AA section title contenders. BOLD is the 2019 Class A state champion. EV-W and Royalton are top teams in ACGC’s Central Minnesota Conference, which also includes Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa, Holdingford, Maple Lake and Kimball. All have strong baseball traditions. ACGC should have a good chance at its first state tournament berth since 2001. Paynesville has since won three straight and figures to be a serious contender in Section 3AA, where Luverne, Benson, Pipestone and Minnewaska all figure to have strong teams. The Bulldogs, who won the section in 2019, finished the year by taking third place in the state Class AA tournament in St. Cloud.

14 | WEDNESDAY, APRIL 28, 2021

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Benson leaning on balanced squad Braves look strong at start of 2021 season BY JOE BROWN

Benson hopes to be good

In a strong area, the Braves have a big senior class BY TOM ELLIOTT

Matt Laumeyer, catcher/pitcher/third baseman Sam Grussing (the coach’s telliott@wctrib.com son), catcher/pitcher/third baseman alk about the 2021 season and Cold Hedman, outfielder Josh Norby, Benson head coach Mark Grussing marvels at players like Atwaoutfielder Kellen Schmdit, outfieldter-Cosmos-Grove City’s Josh Kingery er Corbin Holmquist and outfielder and Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg’s Trey Smith. Alex Call. They’ll form the nucleus of a club Both are talented. Call, a junior that expects to be better than it was in left-handed pitcher, already has com2019 when it went 6-11. mitted to the University of Arizona. “We should be OK,” Mark Grussing “I tell you, the talent level in baseball said. “I expect us to compete.” in our area is incredible,” Benson head The Braves have flexibility. Players coach Mark Grussing said. “It’s really are comfortable moving around the diafull of a lot of college-level talent.” mond depending upon who is pitching and catching. They expect to compete Benson has at least two players who in the West Central Conference, where plan to continue their baseball careers in college. They are shortstop Pat Min- BOLD should be strong. The Warriors were Class A state champions in 2019. chow and pitcher/catcher Sam Lenarz. “BOLD is always going to be good,” Both are headed to Crown College. Minchow has a fine glove and bats lead-off. Grussing said. Section 3AA includes Paynesville, Lenarz is a top hitter and the Braves’ Minnewaska and New London-Spicer ace on the mound. in the North Division where Benson But it’s more than those two. “We should be competitive,” Grussing resides. Luverne dominated the South said. “We have a nice group of seniors.” in 2019, but Fairmont, Windom, PipeAlso expected to contribute from the stone and Tracy-Milroy-Balaton traditionally have been strong. senior class are: pitcher/first baseman

jbrown@wctrib.com

he last time Benson softball took the field, the Braves finished the 2019 season with a 5-12 record. Fast-forward two years, Benson has eight seniors helming the squad and the early returns look promising for the Braves to beat that 2019 mark. “(In 2019) a lot of the younger kids then were like the little sister in the backseat,” said Benson head coach Barb Schwarz. “Now they have to step it up and do their thing. It’s their turn. It has been an adjustment but the seniors are very good leaders.” Among that group of seniors include third baseman Zoe Doscher and first baseman Marissa Connelly, who were both previously All-West Central Conference honorable mentions.

Center fielder Ellie Moesenthin and shortstop Rachel Berens are also top players back in the fold for the Braves. Assuming pitching duties is junior Bella Wolter. Schwarz has been impressed with Wolter’s moxie so far. “She’s a pitcher that loves to have the ball and to be the focal point,” Schwarz said. “She doesn’t hide or shy away from difficult situations.” Offensively, Benson appears to be clicking with 33 runs in the team’s 2-1 start. That included a sweep over Minnewaska. “This year, I have nine solid batters,” Schwarz said. “There’s 13 kids on varsity right now and I could put any of those 13 in and I’m confident we can get a hit or two. I have a nice group of hitters. This is just a more well-rounded group than I’ve had in the past.”

GO BRAVES!

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Slow start but fast learning expected for D-B Season projected to be learning year for Blackjacks and new head coach Haley Gritmacker BY MATTHEW CURRY

Nowhere to go but up for D-B Blackjacks seek victories as they show improvement BY TOM ELLIOTT

Braxton Hahn, Aiden Swenson, Brayden Hahn, Dusty Deuth, Preston Johnson, Codie Johnson, Aric Gruwell, Ryan he Dawson-Boyd baseball team has its eyes focused on improving. Lund and Logan Conover. Cade Buer The Blackjacks have nowhere to and Kade Solem have contributed go but up. as well. The Blackjacks last won a game May Deuth, Codie Johnson, Swenson, 29, 2018, beating Thompson, Canby 13-4 in the Brayden Hahn, section playoffs. Preston Johnson They were 0-12 and Aric Gruwell in 2019 and, like have all seen time everyone else, 0-0 on the mound for in 2020. head coach Daren They’re off to an Swenson. Walks have been a prob0-3 start in 2021. lem. Dawson-Boyd Dawson-Boyd walked 14 and hit opened with a 6-0 three batters in the loss to Lac qui RCW loss. Against Parle Valley, then Canby, there were fell 11-9 to Canby. seven walks. The Blackjacks walked six The Blackjacks were in both games. Against Renville County West, they fell against LQPV. The offense has been solid. Even in 18-7. The Jaguars smacked out 18 hits, the shutout loss to LQPV, Dawson-Boyd including four doubles, a triple and a managed five hits. The Blackjacks home run. have recorded one error in their first Dawson-Boyd has featured a lineup three games. that has included Blake Thompson,

telliott@wctrib.com

“The kids haven’t played ball in two years so I think that’s created a lot of challenges, especially aley Gritmacker is currently with adding in a new head coach,” in her first season as the head coach of Dawson-Boyd Gritmacker said. “Trying to not softball. Despite having a slow start over-complicate things has been one to the new season, the Blackjacks are of our go-to’s this season so far.” still hopeful for a bright year. Dawson-Boyd will be relying on Dawson-Boyd ended its 2019 four experienced seniors in pitcher season with a 9-13 record, earning Cadence Dove, catcher Alexis Breone win more than its 2018 record itenstein, third baseman Hadleigh of 8-13. However, with the team Olson and first baseman Grace Haas. playing its first games in two seaAll have played a significant role in sons, the Blackjackets are 0-6 to teaching the game of softball to the start the season. underclassmen.

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Maccray comes out swinging

Wolverines get a late start

Wolverines aim for winning record with strong offense BY TOM ELLIOTT

Emery Aker, Isaac Post and Xavier Noble. Also contributing afre Garrett Struxtelliott@wctrib.com he MACCRAY baseball team opened ness, Eli DuHoux, Logan Cronen and Gavin Husman. the season pounding the ball and Kienitz is a multi-sport star who was really hasn’t stopped. on the West Central Tribune All-Area The Wolverines hammered Martin County West 22-1 and 15-0 in their sea- Boys Basketball First Team. He’s headed to Gustavus Adolphus College to continson-opening doubleheader. Next came a 5-4 loss to an undefeated ue his basketball career, but also is a fine Russell-Tyler-Ruthton team in the Cam- baseball player. Pitchers have been Wrede, Homan, den Conference opener. It all adds up to a MACCRAY team that Asche and Cronen. The Wolverines were 5-8 in 2019, 3-10 should be competitive and in contention in ‘18 and 7-13 in ‘17. To improve the in the conference and Section 3A. record, they’ll have to win their share of The Wolverines are hoping for their games in the Camden, which figures to first winning season since 2016, when once again be loaded. they went 11-7. Besides Camden games, they’re also Coach Nate Hebrink’s squad has scheduled to play Sauk Centre and Browgone with a lineup that has featured erville/Eagle Valley on May 7-8 in Elrosa, Brady Kienitz, Isaac Strommer, Dreyer then face Hancock on May 18 and BelHoman, Carter Wrede, Brooks Asche, grade-Brooten-Elrosa on May 25. Mitchell Brynjuflson, Joe Heidecker,

There’s a New Storm Brewing! 2021 Wolverine Baseball, Softball, Tennis, Golf and Track & Field

MACCRAY has had six games postponed BY TOM ELLIOTT

Valley (May 3), at home against Dawson-Boyd (May 6) and Renville County West (May 10), then back he MACCRAY Wolverines will on the road against Yellow Medbe the last team in the West Central Tribune area to open icine East (May 17) for another the 2021 softball season. two games. The Wolverines could have On May 18, the Wolverines have played six games by now, but a non-conference game with BOLD, have had doubleheaders with Trathen play May 24 at Montevideo. cy-Milroy-Balaton, Minneota and Then, it’s back to the Camden Lakeview postponed. Conference doubleheader schedTheir upcoming schedule includes ule, with TMB the destination on doubleheaders with Kerkhoven-Mur- May 27. dock-Sunburg (April 27) and RusMACCRAY went 15-7 in 2019, sell-Tyler-Ruthton (April 29) to close falling to the Wabasso Rabbits 5-3 in the Section 3A playoffs. out April. The Wolverines are coached by In May, MACCRAY is scheduled to Nancy Thoma. play doubleheaders at Lac qui Parle

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