The Iowa Lakes Softball Team is looking forward to starting the 2023 season in Beatrice, NE as they take on Southeast CC on Friday, March 3rd and Saturday, March 4th. The Lakers will then travel to Concordia, KS to take on Cloud County CC on Sunday, March 5th.
After practicing inside during the off season, the Lakers will work to adjust to playing outside with an emphasis on playing sound defense and offensively making the other team work and being aggressive with taking extra bases. With strong hitters throughout the lineup the offense has a lot of potential this season.
The Lakers return ten players this year. Although they did not all see significant playing time last year, the experience and leadership they bring is invaluable at this level. They have been through a college season before and will be able to help the newcomers through the mental and physical fatigue.
Coach Katie King will especially be looking at sophomore Bryn Bohmann to lead the team offensively and continue her success from last season. Marisa Hernandez is set to lead the team on defense. Her softball IQ as well as her ability to play at multiple positions will make her a key for the Lakers this season. Pitcher MacKenna Jones will be a force on the mound with her confidence. Offensively, the Lakers will heavily emphasize base running. Alyssa Thorson was not thrown out one time last year and has the instincts to take extra bases.
Freshman Macy Alderson is poised to have a big year. She fits well into the Lakers' scheme with her ability to steal bases but she also has power in her bat. Coach King is also expecting a big contribution from Sydnee Swiggum. She does a good job behind the plate, which will be needed for a long playoff run.
The Lakers have been working on the details in practice recently. The little things create big things so focusing on playing their own game should lead to the results they are looking for.
Coach King was pleased after her teams scrimmages a couple of weeks ago, "They were more comfortable in just about every situation they were in, which is not what we were expecting so early. Being indoors for so long you don't expect that the first day. The girls did a great job of playing Iowa Lakes Softball and we cannot wait to see what happens in our first two games."
The Lakers first home game is Saturday, April 1st vs DMACC.
OTHER: Interview with Head Coach Katie King attached.
22-23 Roster: https://iowalakesathletics.com/sports/sball/2022-23/roster
22-23 Schedule: https://iowalakesathletics.com/sports/sball/2022-23/schedule
MEDIA: For more information, please contact Head Softball Coach Katie King at (712) 362-8367 or the Iowa Lakes sports information office at (712) 362-7928.