By Jacki Wood

After going 5-11 in 2014, the North Nodaway softball team began turning things around in 2015 by going 10-10 overall and are working to continue that trend in 2016.

Now in his second year with the team, Head Coach David Carroll believes last year’s experience should help his team continue to progress.

“We were young last year starting six freshmen,” Carroll said, who will be assisted by Kit Meiners and Karie Ogle. “The experience we got should really help this season.”

The only senior to graduate from last year’s team was Breann O’Riley and Carroll will look to a trio of seniors to lead the Mustangs this year. They include: Madison Thompson, all-conference, all-district and all-regional 1st baseman and pitcher; Kelsi Oberhauser, all-district catcher and 1st baseman; and Bethany Herndon, 2nd baseman.

In addition, other projected impact players include shortstop Alisha Davison, pitcher Keagan O’Riley and outfielder MaKayla Cross.

Carroll said the Mustangs will focus on having and utilizing more speed this season.

“(I’m) excited to see how much the girls have improved from last year,” he said. “(Our) team goals are to take each game one at a time and strive to do well in each one.”

The Mustangs will get the season started on August 20 at the North Harrison Tournament.