'A defensive nightmare'
Mar. 3—With several key players returning to Southwestern's softball lineup and a host of talented freshmen, coach Danny Jensen said they could be tough to beat.
Returners
Returning second baseman Abbi Conrad was a unanimous all-region selection last year and has been voted team captain by her teammates. "She does everything for us," Jensen said. "She hit over .400 last year. She just covers the ground at second base and makes all those plays."
Another returning impact player is shortstop Gabriella Newman from Albany, Missouri. "She's one of the best shortstops I've ever worked with in all my years of coaching," Jensen said. "She's just a defensive nightmare out there, makes all kinds of plays. She's a phenomenal player for us."
On the mound will be Emily McIntosh, a sophomore from Modale. "She's our only returning sophomore pitcher, but she's doing a great job," Jensen said. "She's had a couple leg injuries but she's doing well."
Shey Storesund, a left-handed batter from Panora, will be returning to her spot in left field this season. "She's a left-handed slapper girl that's really gotten better," Jensen said. "She'll help us a lot in the two hole."
Starting in centerfield will be sophomore Julia Schechinger from Harlan. Catcher Peyton Rice of Creston will also return.
Incomers
Two local girls will make their debut as Spartans this season.
Kaitlyn Mitchell of East Union plays catcher and Halsie Barnes of Mount Ayr will be the starting first baseman. "She hits left and fields right," Jensen said. "She's going to get a lot of playing time at first base for us."
A transfer sophomore from Omaha, Jen Katz will be an outfielder and do some pitching for the Spartans as well this season.
Playing third base will be freshman Ashton Willis. Though it's her first year, she played on two state championship teams in Maysville, Missouri. "She's got a lot of credentials," Jensen said. "She was a shortstop for them but we moved her to third because of Gabby. She's just a glue person out there. She makes a lot of plays on defense and she hits the ball well for a freshman."
Taryn Ganstrom from Kansas will do a little pitching and some time at second base. "She's a really outstanding hitter," Jensen said. "She's got some power. I'm really looking forward to see her play."
Another outfielder is Lauren Schneider from Wichita. "She's a left-handed slapper kid," Jensen said. "She's really fast, so she'll get a lot of playing time as well."
Freshman Bethany Wright of Australia will join the team with the ability to play catcher, third base and outfield. Also joining the team is Haylee Meyer, an outfielder from Orient.
The Season
The Spartans kick off the season today at Central Community College in Columbus, Nebraska. The first home game is March 29 against Southeastern Community College.
"We have a lot of games," Jensen said. "There's a nice little 14 game home stand. It's unheard of. Seven straight days in Creston, Iowa. It will be a lot of chances for people to get out and watch us play."
While the Spartans aren't a "long ball" team, spectators can expect to see a lot of speed.
"We're more of a line-drive hitting type team," Jensen said. "If the pitching comes around, we're going to be tough to beat. We just have to work with the pitching and see how well that goes, but I think people will really enjoy the defense and the plays they make in the infield."
Jensen said the girls love the game and get along well. "What I expect is 100% effort every game," he said. "I think you'll see a lot of teamwork."
