We have a lot of returning players. We do have to fill some big shoes in the outfield a little bit but after that we are going to be really big on the defense, we have some big bats in the lineup and I’m really excited to see how the season is going to go.”

Alayna Adamez

We’re going to give a lot of teams a lot of trouble and if girls buy into what us coaches are telling them we’re going to be near the top of the conference. And again, this is one of the toughest conferences in the state, but I expect us to be near the top.”

Park Head Coach Tony Young

Longtime Park coach Tony Young is bullish on the Wolfpack this season, and why not.

A young Park went 15-9 last season and 11-7 in the always tough Suburban East Conference, finishing fourth in the league.

Park returns everyone from last season’s starting lineup except for centerfielder Lauren Osland and right fielder Peyton Moerke.

Returning for the Wolfpack are the entire infield, one outfielder and the top pitcher and catcher: junior third baseman Addie Corkish, senior shortstop and pitcher Ava Youngquist, sophomore first baseman/pitcher Mackenzie Darsow, junior left fielder Nora Thurmes, junior second baseman/shortstop Maddie Boothe, senior catchers Allyson Grobner and Alayna Adamez and junior pitcher Stella Fritsche.

Senior outfielder Keira Brennan, sophomore infielder Addison Jasper and sophomore outfielder Jenna Squillace also return for Park.

But just because one of the Wolfpack held a certain position last season, doesn’t mean she will be at that same spot this spring.

“We return a lot of key players, key positions,” said Young. “In order for us to in my opinion have the best team on the field some of these girls may be out of position compared to where they’re used to playing. But I think it makes us a stronger team both offensively and defensively and it’s a good opportunity for them to learn other things too.

“Nothing is set in stone yet,” Young added.

With all those returners, Park is going to be able to field an experienced lineup that’s both solid defensively and capable offensively.

Park’s team defense will likely be a key to the season, Young felt.

Park’s pitching staff will be led by Fritsche and Youngquist and then possibly eighth grader Chloe Micek as the third thrower.

Park has three players who have committed to play college softball next season: Youngquist to St. Olaf, Grobner to Morehead State and Adamez to Southern Illinois at Edwardsville.

“I think our strength is definitely going to be our defense this year because we did lose two big players in the outfield, but I feel like we still have a young team in the infield and has been playing together forever and I think it’s finally our time,” said Youngquist.

“We were close last year,” Youngquist added. “I think we just have to change our mindset. I think it’s kind of a mental block that we aren’t supposed to go to state but if we get past that I feel we definitely can. We have the talent. We just need to know that we can.

“I think we’re going to be a great team this year,” said Adamez. “We have a lot of returning players. We do have to fill some big shoes in the outfield a little bit but after that we are going to be really big on the defense, we have some big bats in the lineup and I’m really excited to see how the season is going to go.

“We definitely have a lot of good pitchers,” Adamez continued. “We have some good at bats and the defense is coming up big in these last few weeks.”

In Section 3 play last season, the Wolfpack beat Rosemount 7-4 in the quarterfinals, then dropped back-to-back heartbreakers, first to state qualifier Eagan, 1-0, and then to Rosemount in an elimination game, losing 4-3.

The Suburban East Conference is one of the best softball leagues in the state year in and year out and last season was no exception. Forest Lake and White Bear Lake both advanced to the state semifinals last season and both are expected to be good again this season.

Park jumps right into the season with a challenging opening week schedule. The Wolfpack host Stillwater (21-5 last season) in the season opener Wednesday, April 1, hosts Benilde-St. Magaret’s (12-14) on Thursday, then plays at White Bear Lake (19-8) on Monday, all games starting at 4:30 p.m.

“We’re going to be tested right away, and we’re looking forward to it because there’s not an easy game on our schedule,” said Young. “The conference is loaded again. Tons of good pitchers. You’ve got to be on your game to compete in this conference.

“This year I’m really excited,” Young added. “We’re going to give a lot of teams a lot of trouble and if girls buy into what us coaches are telling them we’re going to be near the top of the conference. And again, this is one of the toughest conferences in the state, but I expect us to be near the top.”