By Scott A. Kolb

Post-Bulletin, Austin MN 

Going inside to get the season started, the Riverland women's softball team opens up its schedule on Monday morning at the Irish Dome in Rosemount.

Later next week, the Lady Blue Devils will play six games in two days as part of the Minnesota Classic Tournament at the Irish Dome. Riverland will open the season with a doubleheader against Mesabi Range Community and Technical College at the Dome.

The Riverland softball team hopes to make it three years in row of going to the Minnesota College Athletic Conference State Tournament. Coming off a 13-17 record last year and a fourth-place finish at state, the Lady Blue Devils return only three sophomores for the new season.

Leading the way is right-fielder Jill Radke, who batted .457 and led the team with 29 RBI and 11 doubles. Radke was selected as one of three All-MCAC South Division players for Riverland last year, but is the only one returning. Also back are catcher Carmen Smith (.276 batting average, 20 RBI) and pitcher Kaylee Newman, who appeared in 25 games and threw 62 innings last year.

"Carmen is the warrior in the heart of our lineup," Riverland coach Dave Lillemon said. "She played in every game last year, but we have more depth this season and she can be the designated hitter in some of the games.

"Radke has a great eye at the plate and drew 18 walks last year. She's a tough out and a good athlete. Kaylee got a lot of mound experience late last season, and pitched in all four of our state tourney games. We will rely heavily on her this year."

An outstanding recruiting class will bolster the lineup for the Lady Devils. Anna Breault (Houston High School) will be the other mainstay on the mound.

Danielle Lynch (Houston) has good quickness behind the plate and will start at catcher. Laura Meyer (Mpls. Washburn) will start in center field.

"The defensive ability of Lynch is incredible," Lillemon said. "Meyer is a non-traditional student and is back in school after a few years off. She's left-handed and can play every defensive position.

"By far has the best arm on the team and she's our captain. We're thrilled to have her on the roster."

At first base, Chelsey Swanson (Grand Meadow) is another left-handed hitter. At second base, Christy Van Duyke (Luverne) and Andrea Exlime (Green City, Missouri) will both see playing time.

Mandy May (Randolph), will be at shortstop. Justine Sanvick (Hayfield) will be a utility defensive player. Thenedra Corey, a three-sport starter from Lake Crystal, will anchor the hot corner at third base and also play some in left field. Liz Triplett (Northfield) will also play defensively at third base. Rachel Knopps (Blue Earth) is a freshman catcher.

"Triplett is our best power hitter," Lillemon said. "She flat out hits the ball. When she hits it, then she hits it hard. Liz will also be our third pitcher.

"We are very athletic and I think we'll be a very good offensive team. This lineup will be tough to defend and our left-handed batters will really give us an advantage. We have some power and will be a very aggressive team on the base paths."

The first outdoor game of the season is scheduled for a week from Monday at home in Austin against Iowa Lakes Community College.

RIVERLAND SCHEDULE

Mar. 16 -- Mesabi Range (DH at Irish Dome), 9 a.m.

Mar. 18 -- Fond Du Lac (Irish Dome), 7 a.m.

Mar. 18 -- Fergus Falls (Irish Dome), 10:30 a.m.

Mar. 18 -- Seeding game MN. Classic (Irish Dome), 1 p.m.

Mar. 20 -- Rainy River (Irish Dome), 8:30 a.m.

Mar. 20 -- St. Cloud Tech (Irish Dome), 10 a.m.

Mar. 20 -- Seeding game MN. Classic (Irish Dome), 1 p.m.

Mar. 23 -- Iowa Lakes CC (DH), 3:30 p.m.

Mar. 27 -- at Iowa Lakes CC (DH), 3:30 p.m.

Mar. 30 -- Dakota County (DH), 3:30 p.m.

Apr. 1 -- at Rochester CTC (DH), 3 p.m.

Apr. 3 -- Fergus Falls (DH), 3:30 p.m.

Apr. 4 -- Ridgewater (DH), noon

Apr. 7 -- at St. Cloud Tech (DH) 3 p.m.

Apr. 10 -- at Minnesota West (DH), 3 p.m.

Apr. 14 -- at Dakota County (DH), 3 p.m.

Apr. 17 -- Minnesota West (DH), 3:30 p.m.

Apr. 19 -- Luther College JV (DH), 1 p.m.

Apr. 21 -- St. Cloud Tech (DH) 3:30 p.m.

Apr. 24 -- at Ridgewater (DH), 3 p.m.

Apr. 25 -- at Fergus Falls (DH), noon

Apr. 28 -- Rochester CTC (DH), 3:30 p.m.

May 1-2 -- at MCAC State (St. Cloud), TBA