PREVIEW: Seniors, defense to lead Wildcats

     Two first-team all-conference players, who were also honorable mention all-state, will lead a Maquoketa Valley softball team that will try to continue its upswing this season.

     Senior third baseman Payton Ries and senior shortstop Rejji Smith head a strong returning defensive group.

     Ries batted .397 with three home runs, 16 doubles and 31 runs batted in, leading the team in the latter two categories. Smith hit .313 with 14 RBIs and 12 stolen bases.

     Three other starters are back: senior centerfielder Macy Hoeger, senior leftfielder Cassie Westhoff, and junior catcher Maddie Lahr.

     “The core of our defense is returning upperclassmen who have shown a lot of great leadership in the first week of practice,” new head coach Kendra Whitman said. “I’m excited to see how the leadership and hard work will pay off this season.”

     Other returning letter-winners are juniors Olivia Hoeger and Maddie Anderegg.

     Last season was a good one for the Wildcats; they went 12-7 in the Tri-Rivers Conference, 21-17 overall.

     Whether MV can match or surpass that success might depend on the development of two sophomore pitchers, Rylie Aldrich and Allie Knipper.

     “This team contains young pitchers who have not pitched a lot of innings at the varsity level,” Whitman said. “With that being said, I believe we have some very good leadership defensively behind those young pitchers.”

     Other promising newcomers are freshmen Taya Tucker and Brooke Elgin.

     Whitman said there are several good Tri-Rivers teams, but Lisbon and North Linn are the likely favorites.

     “I believe the key to Maquoketa Valley being successful in this competitive conference this year is to take it one game at a time,” she said.

     Macey Kintzle is the assistant coach.