By Chris Parker
Walnut Grove softball finished runner-up in the Polk County League last year posting a 13-13 record overall. The Lady Tigers graduated two players from last year’s team in Anna Bourke (first base) and Skyler Boyd (right field).
Experience gained last year will be an advantage this year.
“Having a season of experience at those positions should bring some confidence and maturity to help us find more success,” Walnut Grove head coach Dana Meinders said. “While we are still extremely young, most of these girls are used to playing in big games, as they made another final 4 run in basketball, and are very driven to compete.”
First-Team All-Conference selections Jaedyn Johnson (senior) and Ellis Smith (sophomore) return to lead Walnut Grove.
Johnson hit .440 with a .563 on-base percentage last year scoring 41 runs and driving in 25 more. She was dynamic on the bases stealing 43 bases.
“(She is) a speedy and athletic player with a high softball IQ. She’s our leadoff hitter that just makes things happen.” Meinders said. “We expect her to be a vocal leader on and off the field.”
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Smith had a huge freshman season pitching and hitting. She was the team’s top hitter with a .525 batting average and 23 RBI.
“(She is) a strong athletic player with exceptional mental toughness,” Meinders said. “We can’t say enough good things about her. She makes things happen offensively and defensively.”
Raygan Dougherty returns behind the plate at catcher after earning second-team all-conference honors last season. She hit .354 with a .420 on-base percentage including 27 RBI.
“She is an athletic, eager player that continues to impress me with her growth,” Meinders said. “We are expecting more big things from her this season as she moves into the upperclassmen role and helps lead our younger players.”
Harlee Maxwell also returns for her senior season. She plays left field and hit .255 with a .375 on-base percentage.
“Harlee is a tough, gritty player that does whatever is asked of her,” Meinders said. “She is a great teammate and we are expecting her to take on a leadership role this season.”
The junior trio of Kinleigh Bolin (pitcher/outfield), Kiersten Leeper (first base) and Lexi Buckner (outfield) round out the upperclassmen. Bolin is a versatile player that returns after not playing her sophomore year. Leeper is a varsity newcomer who plays good defense. Buckner hit .308 last year.
Sophomores Rachael Kruger (centerfield), Jacie Gavisk (third base) and Kelli Albert (second base) all saw varsity action as freshmen. Kruger was injured last year, but played the final eight games where she hit .581 with a .667 on-base percentage. Gavisk is an athletic player that has added a lot of strength to her frame since last year. Albert has shown a lot of potential and pop in the summer along with improved range defensively.
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Brittany Anderson (sophomore outfield) and Payton Johnson (senior third base/outfield) round out the returning players.
Walnut Grove will get help from the incoming freshman class including: Kenna Tuter, Kaylea Dougherty, Zoie Glenn, Aubrey Hanak, Ahrianna Vinson and Brittney Bornholt.
Walnut Grove opens the season Aug. 26-27 at the Morrisville Tournament.
“Our goal is the same as it is every year; to compete every time we take the field and to get better every day,” Meinders said. “I am excited about the potential that this group of girls have and look forward to a great season this fall.”
