Lady Leps Ready to Start High School Softball Season

When the pandemic hit last season the La Grange softball team was just putting things together after a 5-14 start to the season.

They were playing better, and about to get some key athletes back from injuries.

“We played our last game right before district, and our bats had just come around to where we needed to be. We were ready and excited for district the next week,” said head coach Amanda Arlund. “It looked like things were going to fall into place.

“For a while our season wasn’t cancelled totally. We thought it might just be a few weeks so I told them to keep practicing at home.”

Of course the season never resumed, so the Lady Leps have had nearly a full year of waiting to get back on the diamond. Monday they hosted Lockhart in a scrimmage (which the Lady Leps won as Alyssa Dela Rosa scored the game winner in the bottom of the sixth inning).

Weather permitting, Tuesday the Lady Leps officially start the 2021 season with a game at Bryan High.

“Last year was disappointing, but it’s nice to get back out here and I feel like we picked up where we left off,” Arlund said. “The seniors this year are doing a great job and I feel like the cancellation last year made a big change in their mentality and their appreciation of the game. They are being very positive and working hard and keeping the team focused.”

For the fourth year Missy Muras returns as catcher for the Lady Leps. She’s a Texas State commit. But this year she’ll be catching a new pitcher.

Junior Abby Dela Rosa takes over the primary pitching duties for the Lady Leps. She’s been a varsity player since she was a freshman, but hasn’t pitched for La Grange at the varsity level until this season. But she was sharp Monday, striking out five in six innings of work.

“She tore her ACL last year, this is a big step for her, and we’ve put a lot put on her shoulders early,” Arlund said. “She’s handling it well, fine tuning her pitches and doing a good job.”

Tuesday, senior Natalie Blackwell was joined in the outfield by varsity newcomers Haylie Cooper and Jena Jobb. When basketball season is over, senior Kailee Jones will also be a big contributor in the outfield.

On the infield, Kayleigh Lehmann was at first base, Madison Schroeder was at second, Alyssa Dela Rosa was at shortstop and Avery Marshall was at third.

Overall it’s a group Arlund is very excited about.

“Offensively we’re not seeing the ball well and popping too many things up, but that will come. Defensively we’re really playing well,” Arlund said. “We’re excited to play. It’s nice to be back.”