Ram softball in pack of conference contenders
If it’s possible to be young and experienced, then that’s what head coach Tim Stanton would call his 2010 Glenwood softball team.
“We lost four senior starters from last season so we’re younger this year but we might have more “softball” experience,” said Stanton, in his eighth season at the Rams’ helm. “This is definitely the most talent I’ve ever had from the top of the varsity to the bottom of the freshman team that’s ever been in the program at one time.”
Leading the pack of talented Rams is pitcher Molly Bryan. The sophomore righthander started 36 games last season, compiling a record of 23-13 and striking out a school-record 214 and allowing just less than a run per game.
“Molly pretty much plays softball year round and she always keeps herself game ready. I anticipate her being the best pitcher in the conference,” Stanton said. “When you have that luxury on the mound, if your young team can hit the ball at all, you’re going to be in every game you play.
“That’s kind of what I anticipate having. We’ll be in every game we play because of our ability to play defense and Molly’s presence on the mound. It’s just going to come down to how the kids hit the ball.”
Iowa Girls High School Athletic Association Rule moved the pitcher’s rubber back three feet this season. Stanton said that move could actually benefit Bryan.
“She has five or six pitches she can throw that really move so I think more distance will help her,” said Stanton.
Bryan is the Rams’ returning leading hitter after batting .390 last season and belting six home runs and 18 doubles. Shortstop Ana VanScoy is a defensive stalwart who hit .355, knocked in 16 runs and stole 14 bases batting lead off. Catcher Rachelle Martin hit .386 and had 14 RBIs while providing solid leadership behind the plate.
“Molly, Ana and Rachelle are probably are top three hitters right now,” Stanton said. “The younger girls, the freshmen and the sophomore class, are good ball players. They’re already showing varsity isn’t going to be an intimidating thing to them.”
The Rams were 10-8 in the Hawkeye 10 Conference last season, placing fifth. Stanton said his outlook for this season isn’t any different than it was last year. The coach counts his team, Harlan, Kuemper Catholic, Creston and Council Bluffs Lewis Central among the class of the conference.
“There are five really good teams in the conference and we’re one of them,” said Stanton. “We lost 13 games last season and six of them were by one run. It’s going to be a lot like it was last year. Hopefully we don’t end up losing those games by one run.
Stanton calls his schedule “favorable” with Atlantic, Kuemper Catholic and Harlan all coming to Glenwood for key conference double-headers in June.
“That does help but there’s going to be a lot of tough ball games,” said Stanton. “It’s anybody’s ball game some days. Our conference is going to be tough this year. Really if we hit the ball, we have a chance. If we don’t, we’ll probably get fifth.”
The Rams will have to be game ready quickly. They open the season with four games in four days on May 24.
“I don’t think I have any question we’ll be ready,” said Stanton. “Even with all the kids playing other sports and practicing softball too. I think we’re talented at all three levels, freshman, junior varsity and varsity.”