When you drive into Lincoln from the south on Hwy 65, you will see a sign that says "Girls Softball State Champions 2019". The pitcher on that team was the new head coach for the Lady Cardinals, Aleah Paxton. She knows how to win and hopefully she can instill a winning philosophy and work ethic into her roster of 18 girls.
This season will be a rebuilding process to some extent but the future is bright.
The key in softball is pitching, needless to say, and junior Braylin Paxton will be counted upon to eat up innings with a high success rate. Last year inexperience on the mound was her biggest drawback and she improved as the year wore on. She pitched some over the summer and should be much improved over last season.
Sophomore Rebekah Helland should be a good backup. How much run support they will receive will be an interesting test for the girls in red.
Courtney Stephens is Lincoln's big bat. Paxton can also hit, along with Danika Gillespie.
Their defense may need work but the season is too early to tell. Sydney Spry may play short and her range will be tested.
As important as the pitcher is, someone needs to be able to catch her. Passed balls are usually responsible for a bunch of runs in girls softball. The always smiling Lexi Dulaban will catch and provide another bat in the lineup. Stephens will handle the first base duties. Most of the rest of the positions are up for grabs.
One of their impressive features so far in practice has been their base running rounding third. They still have work to do on the base paths but they are off to a good start.
So there you have an early look at Lincoln softball. The BCE will have an in-depth look at Spring Sports in the coming weeks.
