(Atlantic) The Atlantic softball team opens the 2026 season at home with a doubleheader against Denison-Schleswig. The Trojans enter the season ranked No. 13 by the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union.
Atlantic Head Coach Terry Hinzmann talks about the point of emphasis during preseason drills.
Junior Peyton McLaren returns to the circle for the Trojans. The Sophomore finished her season with a 16-6 record and an earned run average of 1.54.
Coach Hinzmann says Brynn Lamp will provide some depth in the circle as well.
The Trojans return a strong nucleus from last season’s 27-13 team that finished runner-up in the Hawkeye Ten Conference with a 17-3 record. Atlantic brings back several key contributors at the plate, including seniors, Lila Wiederstein (.471 batting average), Zoey Kirchhoff (.383), Makenna Schroeder (.376), and Claire Schroder (.336). All four are expected to play major roles in the lineup again this season.
Senior Lila Wiederstein returns behind the plate for Atlantic after an outstanding junior campaign. Junior Alivia Knuth also returns at catcher after seeing significant playing time last season when Wiederstein was sidelined with an injury. Both players earned all-conference honors.
Coach Hinzmann says other projected starters include junior Jillian Saathoff at first base, Peyton McLaren and Kinsley Johnson at second base, Zoey Kirchhoff at shortstop, Claire Schroder at third base, Makenna Schroeder in centerfield, London Kirchhoff in right field, along with Dylin Ball and Brynn Lamp contributing in the outfield.
Atlantic opens the season Tuesday, May 26, hosting Denison-Schleswig in a doubleheader. The games will be broadcast on 95.7 FM and audio-streamed at Westerniowatoday.com.
