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[Softball] Long-awaited Softball season opener is Wednesday at Fort Hays State

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Lauren Blue (SO/Arlington, Texas) enters her second season as a member of Kansas Wesleyan's softball program, but is already a trusted veteran.

 

Blue, a middle infielder from Arlington, Texas, is one a small handful of returning players from last year's that finished with an 18-26 record, 8-14 in the Kansas Conference, and had two head coaches.

 

Taylor Reichard enters her first season at the Coyote controls and is counting on Blue to help lead a young squad in 2019. Blue hit .344, had a team-high 12 doubles, drove in 32 runs, scored 22 runs and started 43 games.

 

"I have a different type of role," said Blue, who will play shortstop and second base. "I know what to expect, I know how to get it done and I have to stay confident and get it done."

 

Reichard, an Augusta native, played at Emporia State, was a student assistant for one season and spent the previous three years as an assistant at Nova Southeastern (Fla.).

 

"Coach Reichard has really invested in us and is trying to make us better and build a team culture and really help each individual," Blue said.

 

Reichard's effort to build her first team have been sorely hampered by the weather. The Coyotes open the season with a doubleheader Wednesday against NCAA Division II-member Fort Hays State in Hays, starting at 3 p.m. They travel to Excelsior Springs, Mo., on Thursday for a doubleheader against Missouri Valley, starting at 1 p.m.

 

Both doubleheaders were added this week after a season-opening tournament at Evangel this weekend in Springfield, Mo., was canceled.

 

"It starts to wear and tear on the girls mentally and physically," Reichard said. "They're ready for something and every time we get excited in hopes of a game we get let down. It gets cancelled or moved for something.

 

"It's been impactful, but they've kept a level head and they're ready to go. We've been outside one time and it was probably the best practice we've had all year. It's a positive in that it keeps them hyped to get outside."

 

Blue's eager to play a game and gauge where the team stands.

 

"We get to have that dirt time and actually get to play a game," she said. "It's really exciting to see what we can actually do."

 

The Coyotes have at least been able to work on their hitting while being cooped up inside.

 

"I really like the way coach came in and constructed our hitting," Blue said. "If we keep a positive mind in the (batters) box and are ready to hit the ball, we'll have a solid offensive team.

 

"It starts in the (batting) cage and also your knowledge of the game. Just knowing how to hit each pitch, placing the ball on a tee and finding your weaknesses and building off of that."

 

It's been a time of transition for the players and Reichard since she replaced interim coach Shelby Graves in June.

 

"I came in wanting it to be my way right away and I think I learned very quickly that's the quickest way to turn kids around from you and your program, not wanting to be there," she said. "I kind of just expected them to immediately take off with me.

 

"Once we decided we can do this together it's helped a lot. I definitely think it's a two-way street."

Tara Stubits (SO/Topeka, Kan.) is the team's top pitcher. She was 1-7 with a solid 3.83 earned run average in 64 innings as a freshman.

 

"She didn't pitch a whole lot last year, but enough to know what to expect," Reichard said. "She's probably one of the most level-headed kids I've ever met in my life. You'd never know there's something wrong with that kid. She could get a bomb hit off of her and she has the same face as if she struck out three people looking."

 

Anna Grace Williams (FR/Crandall, Texas) will follow Stubits on the mound.

 

"She's going to be very good for us," Reichard said. "Tara's done a great job of leading Anna and settling her in."

 

Valaree Reyes (SO/Round Rock, Texas) will also see duty in the circle, Reichard said.

 

Returning starter Taylor LaGrange (SR/Mont Belvieu, Texas) will occupy one outfield spot and is one of two seniors on squad. She hit .268 with 16 RBIs and 13 runs scored in 32 games (30 starts) in 2018.

 

"She does a very good job regulating the outfield, commanding them and giving them a little bit of confidence and a little bit of a boost and settling them in when she's out there," Reichard said. "It's going to be like a whole new team out there, especially the outfield."

 

Kayla Kruel (SR/El Cajon, Calif.), who's been in the program four years, is back after hitting .245 in 36 games (34 starts) at first base. Blue and Samantha Banda (SO/Houston, Texas) will occupy of the middle infield -€“ Banda hitting .410 in 30 games (20 starts). Letter winner Bianca Sanchez (SO/Frisco, Texas) is also in the mix.

 

Taylor Lenggenhager (JR/Austin, Texas), one of four junior college transfers this season, will open at catcher. Brenna Rich (FR/Mission Viejo, Calif.) also figures to see duty.

 

"She has a lot of command behind the plate," Reichard said of Lenggenhager. "The girls really seem to like her back there and they look up to her and they respect her a lot."

 

Dalayna DeMarte (JR/Rocklin, Calif.) returns to the program after playing as a freshman. She was at Sierra College (Calif.) last season, but suffered an injury that required surgery.

 

"Not sure where she'll fit in with her injuries, but we're going to find a way to get her back in the lineup somehow," Reichard said.

 

Lacey Fitch, a former KWU player and assistant coach last season, returns and is joined by veteran pitching coach Kenny Hancock.

 

"Lacey's a staple with the program, not only when she played, but last year with all that turmoil with the girls," Reichard said. "I think that has a lot to do with them wanting to start buying in more and wanting to be here with us.

 

"Kenny Hancock is great with the pitchers and has been amazing for the team. I can't express that enough."

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