13-10; 2.25 ERA; 109 strikeouts in 2010
In his first year at the helm of the Farmington softball program last spring, Rob Laden guided the Tigers to a 13-10 record and a third place finish in the Missota Conference.
Four key contributors from that squad received their high school diplomas last spring, including Sam Jensen, one of the metro's leading hitters the past three years, fellow all-conference performers Kelsey Betzold and Megan Nekowitsch and three-year starter Shannon Doherty.
The loss of the graduating seniors coupled with a lack of upperclassmen on the roster could make Laden's second year on the job a challenging one.
"With only five upperclassmen we will be a young team," Laden said. "They are an athletic group who are focused and work hard. A lot will come down to how quickly some of the younger players can adapt to the high school game.
"I won't make any predictions as to where we will finish. I just want to keep improving as the season progresses."
Despite the losses from last season, the Tiger cupboard is far from bare. Seven letterwinners from last year's squad return, including seniors Danni Muelken (catcher), Alyssa Hagen (infield) and Paige Lindrud (outfield); juniors Ali Rice and Taylor Hakaana (first base/catcher) sophomore Ashley Betzold (pitcher) and freshman Alyssa Kalmes (infield/outfield).
Betzold, an all-Missota Conference honorable mention selection as a freshman, pitched every game for the Tigers last spring, finishing with a 2.32 eraned run avearge and 109 strikeouts in 151 innings. She also leads returning hitters with a .275 average.
Betzold will be throwing to Muelken, an all-section performer last season who hit .235 with eight runs batted in.
Sophomore Toni Hunsinger and freshman Jordan Keprios figure to serve as back-up pitcher to Betzold.
Laden said there should be keen competition for varsity playing time this spring with the rest of the varsity roster determined once the team moves its practices outdoors.
The Tiger coach said defending conference champion Shakopee, led by hard-throwing pitcher Ashley Walker, should be the favorite in the Missota with Hastings the pre-season pick in the race for Section 1AA honors.
Laden added that softball fans might see more a few more runs put on the scoreboard in 2010.
"The rules changed and the pitching rubber has been moved back three feet (40 to 43)," he said. "That should add a little more offense to the game."
Mike Benson will serve as the varsity assistant this spring with veteran Loren Cartwright handling the B-squad coaching duties. Volunteer Amber Nelson will also help out with the varsity squad.
Jim Swedin and Kjerstin Tharaldson will work with the ninth grade team; Jen Marshall and Paul Ahrenhloz the eighth grade and Lorraine Kennedy and Teresa Oyne the seventh grade.
