A deep pitching rotation and a contingent of seasoned fielders will once again make the Frazee softball team one to contend with for the 2014 season.
The Lady Hornets return a bevy of talent and experience on the mound, as well as behind the plate and on the left side of the infield.
It starts with third-year junior pitcher Jo Shipman, who brings smart pitching and location.
“Jo will be our leader on the mound,” said Frazee head coach Dave Trautman.
“She has learned her craft well and has improved on her location and doing well changing her speed.”
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But the catcher position will also bring in a ton of experience in five-year starter senior Taylor Tappe. In other words, she has seen basically every situation in her career.
“Having a five-year catcher is huge,” Trautman said.
The infield will be anchored by four-year starter senior Autumn Mahoney, while seasoned junior Kennady Barlund will man the third base corner.
“We should be pretty strong on the left side of the infield,” Trautman said.
“But depending on who will be playing what positions, we should be pretty solid defensively.”
The outfield will have all new players, with an open competition for all three positions.
With that experience back, the offense will benefit with top five hitters returning.
“We should have a little of both speed and power in the lineup,” Trautman said.
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With the several other positions still up for grabs for the younger players, developing them for added depth will be key for a run in the Heart O’Lakes Conference and the Section 8-1A playoffs.
“We will have to define everyone’s roles as players and we coaches will have to figure those parts,” Trautman added.
The Lady Hornets will open at Bagley April 14, with the home opener being April 24, versus Barnesville.
The 2014 Frazee softball schedule:
April
14 at Bagley
17 at Ashby
21 at New York Mills
24 Barnesville
26 Frazee Invite
May
1 at Pelican Rapids
2 Perham
8 D-G-F
9 Walker-H-A
13 at Breckenridge
15 Hawley
16 Verndale
