PREVIEW: Eagles hope to hit well, move up

     New Midland softball coach Zach Hebl lists the team’s hitting as a strong point as the Eagles attempt to move up the ladder in Tri-Rivers Conference softball play this season.

     Midland went 1-25 a year ago, including 1-21 in the conference, but with the help of five returning letter-winners, the Eagles look for better things ahead.

     “We hope to improve, play full game, and have better hitting stats than last year,” Hebl said. “Practice and game experience is key. We need to maintain our focus to be fundamentally sound.”

     Returning letter-winners include senior Mikayla Dosland, juniors Taylor Bahnsen, Kaeti Taylor-Mere and Brennah Ricketts; and sophomore Allison Paulsen.

     Dosland hit .266 last year with seven runs batted in. Bahnsen had 10 stolen bases in 11 attempts.

     There are 15 girls out for the team, who will try to make the Eagles competitive in a tough conference that includes likely East Division favorite Lisbon, and West Division foes North Linn and Springville.

     Assistant coaches are Eric Brown and Gennifer Zirkelbach.