Softball: LQPV Eagles regroup after fine 2025
· Yahoo Sports
Apr. 7—MADISON — There is plenty to overcome for the Lac qui Parle Valley softball team in 2026.
LQPV, which finished 19-6 overall and 12-1 in the Camden Conference, needs to replace a talented senior group and will be without Maya Sawatzky, its freshman ace, due to injury.
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Among those departing are Kendyl Shelstad and Zoey Dockter are the headliners.
Shelstad was both a Class A All-State Second Team selection and All-Area First Team pick who batted .519 with 40 hits, 37 runs and 26 RBIs. Dockter was a Class A All-State Honorable Mention and an All-Area Second Team selection who hit .386 with 27 hits, 25 RBIs and 24 runs.
"Some may call the 2026 season a rebuilding year, but I am confident that these athletes have prepared themselves to be highly competitive," said Scott Sawatzky, who enters his fifth season as head coach. "We strongly believe that we will be a dangerous team come playoff time."
To do so, Scott and company will rely heavily upon three returning starters this spring.
Seniors Caleigh Conn and Rya Borstad each return to the outfield for the Eagles.
"Caleigh became a real threat at the plate for us last year, hitting for both power and average," Scott said. "Rya, as committed as they come, is a strong hitter and even better leader."
Maddie Geiser, a freshman whose bat packs a punch, according to Sawatzky, will look to bring a consistent bat and presence at first base in LQPV's starting lineup.
Scott, who hopes junior shortstop Karcyn Wittnebel embraces a leadership role in the infield, will utilize sophomore Eva Trager in many scenarios as a player who brings versatility.
In need of replacing Maya, who was in the circle for 51% of the team's innings, Scott looks toward sophomore Riley Clark and freshmen Mya Mortenson and Ava Daline in the circle.
"All three of them worked during the winter to prepare themselves," Scott said. "The early indications are that they will be doing a great job for us."
Scott has Ryan Lee, Sidney Clark, Rylee Sawatzky and Ryan Gronholz on his coaching staff.