Lady Bulldogs have young team for the 2013 season

By Kelsie Hoitomt

BOYCEVILLE — The Lady Bulldogs softball team looks to a small group of seniors to lead a young team in the 2013 season.

This year there are eight freshman joining the team along with two new senior players as well. These newcomers look to fill the cleats of all-conference athletes Cansis and Krista Bodsberg, Kori Klaustermeier, Sabrina See, Hannah Schutts and Lexi Stuart who all graduated last year. Also out this season is Kayla Nelson who has a torn ACL.

Looking to lead the team are seniors Brandi Curvello, Anna Jenkins and Kysa Franseen as well as other letter winners and varsity experienced players, Kennedy Hellmann, Brooke Blaser, Kendall Wold, Melissa Stuart, Alexa Peterson and Rachal Anderson.

According to fourth year head coach Jamie Olson, Hellmann, as a junior, looks to do the bulk of the pitching for the Bulldogs this season after pitching last year behind Cansis Bodsberg and Kayla Nelson.

“She will have to show consistency if we are going to compete in this tough conference,” said Olson. “We lack experience, but we did play 15 games over the summer, which was very important in getting some extra reps at the plate against quality pitchers. I feel our young girls grew up this summer and they showed they can play at the next level, but we will have to improve greatly on the defensive side of the ball.”

In terms of goals for the season, Olson said that he would like the team to compete at a high level every time they step on the field, which means hitting strong, staying away from mental errors on the field and no free bases given with walks and errors.

Olson feels the toughest teams they will face this season are Pepin, Elk Mound and Spring Valley as they each bring back solid pitchers and all around great players.

To coach along side Olson will be third year assistant coach Mike Roemhild and first year assistant Courtney Jensen.

As of now, the Bulldogs are scheduled to play their first game of the season on the road against Elmwood/Plum City on April 2 at 5:00 p.m.

Bulldogs Roster

Seniors: Kysa Franseen, Anna Jenkins, Brandi Curvello, Kali Crapser, Kia Shaefer

Juniors: Kennedy Hellmann, Melissa Stuart

Sophomores: Lexi Peterson, McKenzie Schultz, Kendall Wold, Brooke Blaser, Rachal Anderson, Kayla Nelson

Freshman: Abbie Hayes, Peyton Hellmann, Maddy Bygd, Katie Kegen, Montana Johnson, Jenna Beyrer, Marki Lagerstrom, Carrie Jenkins.