The Nishnabotna softball team has 30 athletes out for the combined program’s first season of action under Coach Randy Moyer.
Coach Moyer said the Blue Devils return two experienced pitchers in Megan Lightfoot and Dani Thompson and two experienced catchers in Kim Smith and Clara Heitshusen.
Moyer also noted that the Nishnabotna team has a promising freshman hurler in Kaitlin Benefiel.
Offensively, Coach Moyer said the early emphasis will be to put the ball in play.
“We’ll play some small ball and try to put some pressure on defenses,” Coach Moyer said.
Talent wise, Coach Moyer said there is a lot of potential on this year’s roster.
“It’s whether we can put the ball in play and do the little things right,” Coach Moyer said.
Shen 6, Blue Devils 2
Molly Goltz and Mel Lang each scored a run, but it was not enough as Shenanodah topped the Nishnabotna softball team in season-opening action last week.
Goltz had a hit and a run scored and Lang walked and scored.
Kim Smith had the only other offense for the Blue Devils with a single.
Megan Lightfoot pitched the loss. She struck out three and allowed eight hits.
Blue Devils 14, Essex 2
A 17-hit offensive pushed Nishnabotna past Essex in Friday softball action.
Leah Burkhiser had three hits, including two doubles to lead the offense.
Molly Goltz also had three hits.
Players with two hits were Mel Lang, Amanda Brennan, Kim Smith and Amanda Miller.
Clara Heitshusen, Dani Thompson and Chelsea Nebel had one hit each. Emily Woltemath reached base once on a walk.
Thompson pitched the win. She struck out one, walked two and allowed two runs on 10 hits.
