New GISH coach looks for a winning combination

First-year Grand Island Senior High softball coach K.C. Hehnke hopes to get the Islanders somewhere they've never been -- above .500 for a season.

"We played in the state tournament last year but we are looking for our first winning season with a return to the state tournament as a competitor," Hehnke said.

Although Grand Island has qualified for state twice, it never has finished with a winning season. It won't be easy for the Islanders to meet that goal this year.

"We play a very competitive schedule," Hehnke said. "We have added the (Omaha) Westside Invitational tournament to our schedule this year. We have also added the Columbus Invitational tournament which means we will be playing every weekend during this seven-week regular season schedule.

"Our young pitching will have to step up and be very consistent."

While young in the pitching circle, the Islanders have experience in other areas.

"We really need our seniors to step up and become great team leaders," Hehnke said. "We have a very good core of returning starters that some are playing different positions this year so there will be some adjustment.

"Our pitching has to be successful for us to compete with the schedule that we have. Some younger athletes will have to step in from time-to-time and produce but all-in-all I believe we should have a very successfully season."

Taryn Trosper, who was the opening day starter as a freshman last year, returns and should do a majority of the pitching.

Jessica Marisch also pitched some last year and should see more time this season.

Trosper and Marisch each had an ERA at 2.00 or below during the summer season.

Also back is Rachel Weakland, who split time between pitching and at first base. She'll mainly play at first this year.

Sara Petska, a third baseman/pitcher, is coming off a foot injury suffered during the spring tennis season.

Among the top returning position players is junior Mackenzie Tomlin.

"She has a powerful bat with a strong arm that will play both the outfield and catcher," Hehnke said.

Junior Emily Mierau also returns in the outfield, and Mikayla Walsh will rotate with Tomlin in the outfield and at catcher.

Alissa Christensen moves from shortstop to third base and Steph Schwieger goes from the infield to the outfield.

Senior Ashley Casarez will see time at four positions and sophomore Megan Richardson joins the team after playing volleyball last year. She'll see time at first base and the outfield and should be back from a broken toe for the opener.

Freshman Sydney Trosper is competing to start at second base and could see some time pitching.

"The program in whole has worked very hard in the summer weights and conditioning program," Hehnke said. "The pitching has made a big improvement."

The Islanders open the season Thursday by hosting Hastings in a doubleheader at Fonner Park.