Softball Preview

McGuire is one of the team captains and has an outstanding glove at shortstop. Crowley, the other captain, is a tough out and hit .321 her first year in left field.

Folluth is a very good defensive first baseman and hit .298 her freshman year.

Knopps saw limited action last year but with a year’s experience gives added depth in the outfield.

Nine freshmen include; Carmen Smith and Austin High School graduate Amy Snyder who will handle the catching duties. Smith is a 4-year starter for Lyle-Pacelli and proved she can hit with some power while Snyder adds depth and a left handed bat to the lineup.

Jill Radke, and outstanding left handed hitter comes from a very powerful Maple River High School program. Radke will play either first base or the outfield and displays excellent speed.

At second base, Austin’s Holly Waltz will shore up these duties. She brings good speed and a great attitude to the diamond.

Third base duties will be handled by Nicole Harmer, the outstanding third sacker for Austin HS last season. Harmer is a feisty gal that brings a lot of determination and competitiveness to the field.

Sara Miller will be a utility fielder for both the outfield and infield. She comes from a good program out of LeCenter, MN. Kaylee Newman, an Alden-Conger HS graduate, will see some pitching duties and third base action. She logged all the innings for the Knights last year on the mound.

Rounding out the team are two outstanding athletes, Kelly Shelin from LeSeuer and Nicole Svoboda from Lyle-Pacelli High School. Shelin, a right hander will see duty on the mound and in the infield and play where needed. Svoboda, left-hander, will also play the outfield when she is not pitching. Even though this team is real young, Coach Lillemon sees his squad much improved over last year. “Our strength will be pitching and defense in the beginning of the season” says Lillemon. “I hope as the season progresses our bats come around. We should be very competitive and I look for continued improvement as the season progresses”.

The Lady Blue Devils will open the season in the Minnesota Classic (games at 10/noon on 3/27, and noon/2:00 on 3/28) and the conference opener will be against Dakota County at home on March 31, 2008.

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Athletics: Fastpitch Softball: Softball Clinic
Page Last Updated: February 12, 2008 8:20 AM