(Audubon) The Exira-EHK-Audubon softball team has a ton of new faces starting this year after their runner-up finish a year ago. The team only returned three players from last year’s team, and one of them is junior Anna Larsen.
The starting center fielder is having a breakout year so far batting over .500 on the season, leading the team in hits, runs and stolen bases through 10 games this season. Larsen made the move from left field to center, and has taken on more responsibilities and a bigger leadership role. Larsen also leads things off for the Spartans after batting seventh a year ago.
When talking about her improvement with the bat, she mentioned her approach when she steps into the box.
Last year as a sophomore, Larsen batted just under .200 on the season and it was her first time playing in the outfield. Some improvement was expected but Larsen has outdone those expectations, already having more hits in 10 games than all of last year.
Larsen says the fundamentals of the game have helped not only her, but the rest of the team as well.
When Larsen was moved to centerfield, she had some big shoes to fill after the departure of Mattie Nielsen. But the move has paid off for the team as Larsen has also improved her defensive ability, and has not had an error on the season.
She believes the communication has helped her a lot so far this year.
The Spartans take on Logan-Magnolia tonight at 7:15 in Audubon, where they will look to end their four-game skid.
