Kayla Tatge
Eagles’ preseason ranking is sixth in the nation
The 2013 Kirkwood women’s softball team is poised to make another run at the NJCAA national tournament. With a good mix of veteran leadership and young talent, the Eagles believe they have the right pieces to exceed last season’s ninth place finish and overall record of 43-13.
Of the five returning sophomores, Kayla Tatge achieved All-American status after last year’s campaign. Tatge’s strength is her hitting prowess and opponents may focus on stopping that aspect of her game. However, Kirkwood Softball Head Coach Joe Yegge has confidence that fellow sophomores Haylee Krack and Kristen Winter will pick up the slack if that happens.
“Kayla is a returning All-American, so I’m sure some teams will try to pitch around her,” said Yegge. “Haylee and Kristen will add great protection around her because they are great hitters too. All five returning sophomores were All-Region players so we look to have major contributions from them.”
Fourteen players make up a talented freshman class, and a few of the new faces hail from local communities. Hannah McInerny played for Cedar Rapids Jefferson and will cover third base for the Eagles. In addition, shortstop Leah Duffe is from Wilton and catcher Jaden Compton comes to Kirkwood from Tipton. The returning sophomores who played locally are catcher/outfielder Shelby Crist (Cedar Rapids Prairie) and Winter (Cedar Rapids Xavier) who will play a few positions around the infield.
Despite the high number of incoming freshmen, Yegge has big goals for the squad this year.
“Our goals are the same every year,” said Yegge. “We shoot to win the league, win the region, win the district and play for a national title. I think we have a good chance of being successful. If the freshmen learn how to handle the grind they could be very good. This year the team chemistry is off the charts. They care for each other like I’ve never seen before.”
The Eagles open the season with a tournament in Springfield, MO at Evangel University on March 1.