(Atlantic) The Atlantic Softball team finished the 2024 season with a 27-13 record, a regional semifinal appearance, and a third-place finish in the Hawkeye Ten Conference. The Trojans suffered four losses in conference play and avenged each one of those losses the second time around.
The Trojans ended the season with some impressive statistics. For example, the squad finished with a team batting average of .352, compared to .330 last season and .285 two years ago. Coach Hinzmann credits assistant coach Derek Handel for the improvement.
Coach Hinzmann says the defense improved from last season committing fewer errors.
One of the most difficult things for a team and the coaching staff is saying goodbye to the seniors when the season comes to an end. This year’s senior class consisted of Riley Wood, Claire Pellett, Avery Knuth, Makayla Atkinson, Callie Pellett, and Avery Nicholas.
Moving forward, Coach Hinzmann says they are looking forward to next year after meeting with the team.
Four players earned first-team all-conference honors, two second-team selections, and one earned honorable mention recognition. Lila Wiederstein, Riley Wood, Zoey Kirchhoff, and Peyton McLaren were named to the first team, and Jillian Saathoff and Mckenna Schroeder to the second team. Claire Pellett was named honorable mention. Wiederstein, Wood, and Kirchhoff were selected to the Class 3A all-West District squad.
