The issue that most plagued the 2019 Perry softball team is the same one that has, for several seasons, been their Achilles Heel: the Big Inning.
Far too often, the Big Inning has favored the opposition, and without such breakdowns, the Jayettes would likely have finished much better than a 5-24 overall mark, one that left Perry 0-14 in Raccoon River Conference action.
“We focus on playing one inning at a time, but we need that to be seven innings, not five or six,” head coach Tina Lutterman said. “If we can take care of that, we can be more competitive. With this group coming back I am confident we will be.”
All-State player Lydia Olejniczak returns after sparkling at the varsity level as an eighth grader last summer.
The standout shortstop hit .405 with 30 total hits, of which three were doubles, one a triple and four home runs. She drove in eight runs and scored 22 times while swiping 11-of-12 bases.
The rest of the infield is something of a question. Taylor Atwell is the current choice at second base, with Macy Kilmer or Jasmyn Barck at third. Cassidy Heck will start at first base, but Lutterman said the situation was in flux.
“We have to be prepared for anything,” she said. “I don’t want to think about it, but if one of the girls gets sick (COVID-19) she is out 14 days, and we have to be prepared for that.”
Kennedy Tunink, Jasmine Shriver and Bella Nath will start, left to right, in the outfield, with Peyton Tunink moving to catcher.
Jayna Kenney will toe the rubber again. She was 3-14 while throwing 107-1/3 innings and posting a 6.0 ERA. Kenney walked 38 batters and struck out 32 but was hampered by a defense that allowed 78 unearned runs to score while she was in the ring.
Kenney hit .264, Kennedy Tunink .270 and Peyton Tunink .182 to lead the other returning bats.
Lutterman has picked up the services of three seniors. While all are untested on the diamond, all are multi-sport athletes eager to compete after having spring sports taken away.
Joining the Jayettes are Molly Lutmer, Carley Herrera and Hannah Peterson. Lutmer will play a variety of infield spots, as would Herrera, with Peterson tabbed for the outfield and running duties.
“I love that these three decided to come out,” Lutterman said. “It is nice having three more seniors in the dugout, and I know all three are going to be able to help us.”
Perry opens their season at home Tuesday against Gilbert, with ADM visiting Wednesday. The team travels to Saydel Thursday and then plays three consecutive road games before hosting Madrid June 26.
PERRY JAYETTE SOFTBALL
6-16 Gilbert
6-17 ADM
6-17 @Saydel
6-22 @Winterset
6-24 @Carroll
6-25 @Boone
6-26 Madrid
6-27 @Boone Tourney
6-29 Carlisle
7-1 @Bondurant-Farrar
7-2 Ballard
7-7 Winterset
7-9 @Woodward-Granger
7-10 Collins-Maxwell
7-13 @Des Moines Christian (x2)
7-16/18/21 Regionals
7-27, 7-31 State Tournament
