PREP GIRLS SOFTBALL: ALMIRA/COULEE-HARTLINE WARRIORS (1B)
The Almira/Coulee-Hartline Lady Warriors hope to win a Class 1B state title that just alluded them in 2010.
Head coach: Nicole Evans (Fourth year)
2010 overall record: 17-7
2011 league record: 4-0
2011 postseason: Third at state, fourth at regionals, district champions
Number of returnees: Seven
ROSTER: Nikki Osborne, Sarah Gloyn, Kara Erickson, Jordan Jones, Madeline Isaak, Karlee Martin, and Mikinzie Ashley (the rest of the final varsity roster was yet to be determined).
OUTLOOK: It's nice to have a group of athletes that are used to winning as a part of any roster.
This ACH team is locked and loaded with a group of young women who played a hand in winning a state volleyball title and capturing second place in basketball so far this 2010-2011 calendar year.
Fourth-year head coach Nicole Evans may have the right combination of players back to better last year's third place Class 1B state finish.
"We have an energetic group of girls that learn very quickly and are willing to put in the effort," Evans said. "They play with heart and treat each other with respect. An all around great group of girls that love to win."
The seven returnees are Nikki Osborne, Sarah Gloyn, Kara Erickson, Jordan Jones, Madeline Isaak, Karlee Martin, and Mikinzie Ashley, and the experience from last year's state run on the diamond is sure to play a role in their quest for a crown this spring.
"Nikki is our ball magnet with a cannon arm, and also our cleanup batter," Evans said. "Sarah Gloyn is solid on the mound with her determination and focus, she is also one of our biggest assets running the bases. They will keep the rest of the team on their toes and motivated. Karlee will be our leader in steals and scoring as the fastest girl on the team. She keeps her head up and finds every opportunity to make it to the next base, she will be our key in close games."
If that triumvirate and the rest of their teammates can stay focused it could be a big season at ACH.
"Our goals are to work hard all season to become fundamentally sound, have a good time, and ultimately to win a state championship," Evans said. "People should expect a lot of fun, and a state championship. These girls are looking to avenge their one bad inning from the state tournament last year."