Iowa high school softball 2022: Gazette area teams to watch

The list includes North Linn, last year’s Class 2A champion, which moves down this year to 1A

May. 23, 2022 7:15 am, Updated: May. 23, 2022 4:29 pm

North Linn's Skylar Benesh (8) talks to Coach Chad Spore at third base during the Class 2A championship game at last year’s state softball tournament. Benesh drove in the lone run, and the Lynx won the title 1-0 over Earlham. Eight starters return for 2022, and the Lynx drop to Class 1A. (Jim Slosiarek/The Gazette)

Eight area teams to watch for the 2022 Iowa high school softball season:

Anamosa

Coach: Maddie Chapman (1st year, 0-0)

2021 record: 32-11 overall, 18-1 River Valley (1st, North Division)

2021 postseason: Class 3A state qualifier, T-7th place

Returning starters (7): P Emily Watters (jr.), 1B Maya Ludwig (jr.), 2B Chloe Breitbach (soph.), 3B Dilynn Van Meter (soph.), SS Joslin Banowetz (jr.), LF Mady Meeker (sr.), DH Savanna Venenga (soph.)

Clear Creek Amana

Coach: Jodie Scheetz (10th year, 189-141)

2021 record: 30-10 overall, 18-6 Wamac (2nd, West Division)

2021 postseason: Class 4A state qualifier, T-5th place

Returning starters (6): P Ashley Webb (jr.), 2B Olivia Miller (jr.), 3B Reese Stockman (soph.), LF Emma Mathis (sr.), CF Bailey Olerich (sr.), RF Avery Allan (jr.)

Linn-Mar

Coach: Lindsey Murray (4th year, 60-38)

2021 record: 25-12 overall, 20-10 MVC (4th, Mississippi Division)

2021 postseason: Class 4A regional semifinalist

Returning starters (7): P Jordyn Beck (jr.), 2B Megan Heidelbauer (sr.), 3B Caelynn Obleton (sr.), CF Grace McCarty (jr.), RF Claire Michael (sr.), P/DH Hannah Gralund (sr.), UT Kaylece Morgan (soph.)

Lisbon

Coach: Bob Bunting (53rd year, 1,233-646)

2021 record: 37-9 overall, 21-3 Tri-Rivers (1st, East Division)

2021 postseason: Class 1A state runner-up

Returning starters (7): P Ryleigh Allgood (jr.), 1B Ella Clark (jr.), 2B Mia Petersen (sr.), SS Peyton Robinson (jr.), LF Sophie Jennett (sr.), RF Kali Nelson (jr.), DH Blair Baltes (jr.)

Mount Vernon

Coach: Robin Brand (11th year at Mount Vernon, 256-125; 15th year overall)

2021 record: 36-5 overall, 22-2 Wamac (1st, East Division)

2021 postseason: Class 3A state runner-up

Returning starters (9): P Jenna Sprague (sr.), C Kenna Rollinger (soph.), 1B Kameron Brand (jr.), 2B Addison Gookin (soph.), 3B Lilly See (jr.), SS Maia Bentley (sr.), LF Nadia Telecky (sr.), RF Ashlyn Steen (sr.), DH Lauren Swartzendruber (sr.)

North Linn

Coach: Chad Spore (2nd year, 42-6)

2021 record: 42-6 overall, 23-1 Tri-Rivers (1st, West Division)

2021 postseason: Class 2A state champion

Returning starters (8): P Ellie Flanagan (jr.), C Jenna Lemley (sr.), 1B Sydney Smock (sr.), 2B Kenzie Bridgewater (fr.), 3B Jill Smith (sr.), SS Skylar Benesh (soph.), RF Evalyn Robinson (jr.), DH Teagan Liebe (fr.)

Western Dubuque

Coach: Rex Massey (2nd year, 35-7)

2021 record: 35-7 overall, 24-6 MVC (2nd, Mississippi Division)

2021 postseason: Class 4A state champion

Returning starters (6): P Meredith Hoerner (sr.), C Maddie Harris (sr.), SS Shelby Rice (sr.), LF Audrey Biermann (sr.), RF Hailey Wulfekuhle (soph.), DH Maddie Heiderscheit (sr.)

Williamsburg

Coach: Adam Berte (6th year, 133-63)

2021 record: 33-11 overall, 21-3 Wamac (1st, West Division)

2021 postseason: Class 3A state qualifier, 3rd place

Returning starters (6): P Peyton Driscoll (jr.), 1B Elle Ridgeway (jr.), 3B Makenna Hughes (fr.), LF Rylee Vercande (sr.), CF Shannon Finn (soph.), DH Jenna Thurm (jr.)

Comments: jeff.linder@thegazette.com