Wolves gear up for new softball season
After struggling in their 2023 season going 4-22, the IKM-Manning Wolves softball team has more girls on the team and they’re ready to get back to work.
“I’m just excited to get on the field and see what we’ve got,” said Senior Ella Richards. “We have a lot of girls out, so it’ll be fun.”
During their 2023 campaign, offensively the Wolves were led by Alikxa McGinn, who batted .358 and had 24 hits. Anna Stangl drove in the most runs with 13 while stealing 20 bases.
On the mound, Richards compiled the most wins with three, while striking out 56 batters. Karlee Arp led the team in earned run average with 4.88. Arp hopes to step her game up on offense. During last season, she batted .176, driving in six runs with nine hits, scoring 18 runs with nine stolen bases.
“This year I’m looking to have my batting average go up a little more, that’s my main goal,” Arp said.
The four victories the Wolves earned came against Boyer Valley, Ar-We-Va, Essex, and MVAOCOU. Their season came to an end June 30 in the Class 2A – Region 2 Tournament Game on the road against the AHSTW Vikings where they lost 9-2.
The Wolves will open this season against the Underwood Eagles, whom they lost their opener to last season 29-22. During their 2023 season, the Eagles went 8-21, making it to the Class 2A – Region 2 Game where they lost 12-0 to Treynor.
The Eagles were led by Claire Cook with 49 hits and Allissa Fischer with 27 runs batted in. On the mound, Fischer led the team with five wins, 27 strikeouts, and a 8.96 earned run average.
“I think we need to stay positive, making sure we have good throws,” Arp added. “Focusing on the game and not worrying about what’s going on outside of it.”
The Wolves will be facing many tough opponents along the way, including some of their Western Iowa rivals in Logan-Magnolia who went 23-4 last season, finishing atop the Western Iowa standings, Missouri Valley, who finished 30-4, and Treynor who went 16-10.
“I think if we have the right attitude, we can hang with anyone,” Arp said. “We were close with Tri-Center last year. We’ll try our best.”