We continue to preview the fall softball season as three teams will look to make a big statement this fall.
Marquette advanced to the state semifinals and earned a fourth-place finish as they will return six starters from last year’s team. Borgia will be a team to watch in the last year of the AAA conference as they return a solid core group of players from last year. Lutheran South will look to bounce back this year as they also bring back a solid group of returning players.
Marquette Mustangs
- Head Coach: John Meyer
- Years at School and Coaching Record: 2nd year as HC (20-11) & three years as an assistant
- Conference: Suburban Yellow
- Last Year’s Overall and Conference Record: 20-11, 4-1 in the conference (conf champs), won districts and made it to the Final Four (Lost to Blue Springs South & Liberty)
- Starters Returning – 6
- Top Returning Players: Carle Bachman, Aubrey Watson, Grace Bonczek, Hailey Neuner, Peyton Wilson, Annabelle Miller, & Natalie Danner
- Players to Watch: Carle Bachman, Aubrey Watson, Grace Bonczek, & Hailey Neuner
Season Outlook: “We are very optimistic as we return a solid nucleus of experienced players,” stated Meyer. “Overall, the lineup should be productive and have more depth. I am excited to see a few young players step up and see what they can do. We graduated three pitchers that carried the load for us in the circle, so we will be looking at some new faces that will pitch for us this Fall. We have a competitive schedule that should prepare us for the postseason. If we can gel as a team, find our team identity, and focus on collective results, we should have a meaningful season.”
Borgia Knights
- Head Coach: Debbie Frank
- Years at School and Coaching Record: 20 / First year as varsity head coach
- Conference: AAA
- Last Year’s Overall and Conference Record: 14-13
- Top Returning Players: Amanda Dorpinghaus, Paige Vogelgesang, Averi Glosemeyer, Clara Nowak
- Players to Watch: Same as above
Season Outlook: “We graduated only 2 seniors, so we have a large group of returning starters and players which should make a great and fun season,” said Frank.
Lutheran South Lancers
- Head Coach: Linda McQueen
- Years at School and Coaching Record: 24 years (head) 395-237-1 (34 years with 10 years as Asst)
- Conference: Metro
- Last Year’s Overall and Conference Record: 12-15
- Top Returning Players: Lindy French, Taylor Lorenz, Dani Duke, Ashlynn Maness
- Players to Watch: same as top returning players
Season Outlook: great leadership, good returners, several younger players with experience and love of the game
Jim Powers has been covering prep sports in the St. Louis area for 15+ years and a part of the Missouri State High School Activities Association Championship Broadcasts for the past 11 years. Powers is also a part of the Fox 2 Verlo Mattress Prep Zone Friday nights at 10:10 during the football and basketball seasons. If you have a prep sports story, please contact Jim at japowers2421@yahoo.com. Follow Jim at @hssportscaravan
