Softball: New look on the field for Osakis

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Coming off its fourth straight winning season, the Osakis softball team will need to do some retooling for 2013.

The Silverstreaks were 12-5 last year, finishing second in the Prairie North Conference with an 8-3 record, but lost five solid players to graduation, including two-time All-state pitcher Sabrina Zimmel.

Along with Zimmel, the Silverstreaks lost veterans Alex Anderson, Tonya Hetlund, Janna Juntunen and Alida Hovey.

“This will be a very interesting season for us as we try to find the best combination of players to fill our open roster spots,” said head coach John Stigman. “We have some young, but intriguing talents on this team.

“Our pitching staff should be solid, with three-year letter winners Lauren Silbernick and Rachelle Rajdl anchoring our staff.”

Also returning are seniors shortstop Dani Chisholm, catcher Kaitlin Deel and Nicole LeBrun.

Along with the returning seniors, Stigman will have juniors Brooke Waldorf, center fielder, and Katie Anderson, second base, to provide that leadership.

Sophomore Mackenzie Staloch will return to left field and freshman Morgan Silbernick is back at first base, while mixing in some backup catcher duties.

Stigman has some new prospects for the 2013 season in freshmen infielder Jenna Fearing, first baseman Krista Fearing and third baseman Ana Chisholm.

Osakis’ second place finish in the Prairie North came behind Browerville and just ahead of Long Prairie-Grey Eagle, which are both considered front runners in the conference by Stigman.

Browerville looks to be a favorite in Section 5A, along with last year’s state entry, Eden Valley-Watkins. Isle, last year’s section runner-up, also has an inside edge.

Stigman is assisted by Kirsten Wessel and Brad Zimmel.

2013 OSAKIS SOFTBALL

ROSTER

SENIORS – Nicole Stoetzel, Rachelle Rajdl, Kaitlin Deel, Danielle Chisholm, Nicole LeBrun, Lauren Silbernick.

JUNIORS – Alicia Arias, Amber Giese, Morgan Nystrom, Kathryn Anderson, Brooke Waldorf.

SOPHOMORES – Abigayle Miller, Amber Matzke, Ashley Wolterstroff, Danyelle Marthaler, Tiffany Gavin, Mackenzie Staloch.

FRESHMEN – Ana Chisholm, Danielle Foster, Ellen Oeltjen, Jamie Bliese, Jenna Fearing, Jessica LeBrun, Krista Fearing, Taharah Hovey, Morgan Silbernick.

COACHES – John Stigman, head coach; Kirsten Wessel, assistant coach; Brad Zimmel, assistant coach.

Tags: osakis sports, sports, silverstreaks, softball