A young team steps up to the plate

A young MVNU softball team is approaching the 2017 season with energy and confidence.

The Lady Cougars (8-12, 2-6) kicked off their season last month during their spring break trip to Florida.

The team has just one senior this year, and will rely on several freshmen in key roles, but Head Coach Jeana Howald says the Lady Cougars are “up for the challenge.”

According to Howald, the Cougars will look to lone senior Courtney Rengert for leadership on and off the field.

Rengert has recorded 13 hits in 38 at bats (.342) and 10 RBI, second-most on the team.

Junior Anna Boué has also stepped up for the young team. She leads the Cougars as an infielder and pitcher, and so far has recorded four hits in 12 at-bats.

Boué has struck out 33 batters and holds opposing batters to a .186 average. She has allowed only six runs over 39.1 innings pitched.

Also returning for the Lady Cougars are juniors Emily Kauble, Haley Rickards, Savannah Bryner and Natalie Carpenter; sophomores Megan Kitchen, Cassidy Cain, Allison Harris and Jennifer Kurelic.

“We’re a relatively young team,” Howald said, “but with that brings reward.”

Freshman pitcher and infielder Sarah Boué has led the Cougars offensively this season. Sarah Boué, younger sister of Anna Boué has recorded a hit in 15 of 49 at bats (.366) and eight RBI.

She has given up six earned runs in 18.2 innings pitched and struck out 11 batters, holding the opposition to just .200.

Freshman third baseman Meghan May also holds young talent for the Cougars. She has hit a team-high of two home runs and recorded a team-high 15 RBI.

Maddie Johnston, a freshman outfielder, sports a .282 batting average for the Lady Cougars.

Freshmen Karmen Huntsberger, Amanda Rose, Tyler Bivens, Elizabeth Ritchie and Emily Ritchie join the lineup as well.

“When you have a younger team, you spend a lot of time on the little things that will lead us to success,” Howald said. “When you have a veteran team, they know what to expect at this level.”

But her team has a good attitude and strong unity, Howald said.

“We’re ready and we feel confident. I look forward to seeing how this team puts it all together,” she said.

The Lady Cougars will be back on the field today against Taylor University. The double-header will begin at 4 p.m.