By Chris Parker
Galena softball won just one game in 2019, so last season was slated to be a key developmental year for the Lady Bears.
“Losing last season hurt. We had a group of 2020 seniors that played a lot of key roles for us, and losing the season means we lost a ton of practice and game repetitions for the younger players on our roster,” Galena head coach Kenna Foster said. “It will be a breath of fresh air to just be out on the field again. It’s been two years since we played a competitive game, so getting back in the swing of things will provide a sense of normalcy that I think we have all been looking for.”
Senior Destiny Rohlman will be a key leader at third base.
“Destiny Rohlman has been a great role player throughout her career and will be looked to for leadership this year being our lone four-year starter. She hits the ball extremely well and will be expected to get us going offensively every night,” Foster said.
Maci Doak is a sophomore shortstop who has yet to play a varsity game that will be looked to for leadership.
“Maci has yet to play a high school softball game, but she has played extremely well each summer we’ve had her,” Foster said. “She keeps the ball in front of her very well defensively. With her drive and work ethic, there’s no ceiling to what she could do for our team.”
Senior Jordan Boelke and freshman Bree Rice will be the key pitchers for Galena.
Savanna Baker will see time at catcher in her junior year. Sophomore Taylor Jones will play all over the field for Galena.
For the most part, the lineup will be a work in progress.
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“We have a relatively brand new roster compared to the 2018-2019 season, so we will be making changes and figuring out most of our lineup as practice begins and we move players to the spots we feel they will work best in,” Foster said.
That being said, speed and athleticism will be strengths for Galena.
“We are young and athletic, so I believe speed will be a strength we will need to play to a lot this season,” Foster said.
Galena will look for marked improvement from the beginning of the season to postseason.
“Each game will be a learning curve for us, but I think with some game experience and leadership from our upperclassmen, we have the ability to improve leaps and bounds from the beginning to the end of season,” Foster said. “My expectation is simply for us to come out and compete each night. With coaching changes, roster turnover, and the time it has been since we have lasted played a competitive game, all we can ask is that they show up every day ready to compete and get better.”
Galena opens the season on Mar. 20 at the Verona Invitational.
