Young, gritty Eagles to count on experience

     After a winless 2016 season, the Midland High School softball team is counting on its experience to get back in the win column this summer.

     The Eagles return seven starters, nine letter-winners in all. Second-year coach Dustin Klein praises his players for the determination they show despite an 0-25 season last year.

     “They are a tough team, as they have been on the losing side a lot these last couple of years, but they keep on playing hard,” Klein said. “They don’t give up. They stay because of the fun they have as a group.”

     There may be more fun in store for Midland, with the return of junior pitcher Emma Paulsen and junior outfielder Anna Roseland, sophomore infielders Mikayla Dosland and Sara Flores, sophomore outfielder Emma Dusanek, freshman catcher Taylor Bahnsen, and freshman outfielder Shianne Rockwell.

     All of those girls were starters last year, and freshman Brenna Ricketts and Kaeti Taylor-Mere were also letter-winners.

     Four newcomers could see substantial playing time: sophomore Delanie Uppena, freshman Kristina Agnitch, and eighth-graders Ari Hackey and Ella Rupp.

     “We are a very young team,” Klein said. “We have no seniors; they will have to build their experience. Our hitting will need to pick up this year.”

     Alburnett, Calamus-Wheatland and North Linn should be among the toughest opponents in the Tri-Rivers Conference, the coach said.

     He is assisted by Jennifer Buckwalter and volunteer assistant Sheri Dosland.