(Oakland, IA) — Its an early season battle of ranked softball opponents in the Western Iowa Conference tonight as #11 Treynor visits #7 Riverside, coverage on KSOM and Western Iowa Today TV.
Its the opener for Treynor and they will be playing short handed — the soccer team is playing in the regional playoffs against Atlantic so there will be several players that will be unavailable including one of their leading hitters Adalyn Minahan. In addition, the Cardinals have received a bigger blow — All State pitcher Delaney Matthews has decided not to play for the Cardinals and play club ball in advance of her college career with Western Kentucky. Matthews pitched all but 5 2/3 innings last year so Head Coach Tim Navara will turn to an 8th grader Zoey Carlson in the circle
Treynor does have a young team with three seniors and three juniors. Minahan (.438, 3 HR, 31 RBI) is the starting catcher; Elyse Winchell will move to center field; Ella Thornton will play shortstop and they are all seniors and all returning starters. Junior Brooke Burke is a veteran hitter as well. Navara realizes he needs some young players to grow up quick as Treynor faces a tough schedule to start the season
The Bulldogs, meanwhile, are 1-1 with an 18-1 win over Tri Center and a 6-5 loss to #6 West Monona last night. Head Coach Darrell Frain says his team had a 5-2 lead but made some mistakes and gave one away
Riverside does not have to be told about tonight’s opponent — they are always ready to face Treynor says Frain
Treynor visits Riverside, 7:00 first pitch tonight, coverage on KSOM and Western Iowa Today TV
Treynor Head Coach Tim Navara
Riverside Head Coach Darrell Frain
