Apple Valley Softball Re-Energized For 2011 Season

2010 record: 7-14

Conference record: 3-8

Section 3AAA tournament: Lost to Lakeville South 6-2

The Apple Valley softball team struggled to end the 2010 season, losing its final four regular season games before falling to Lakeville South in the section tournament.

But coach Carla Christiansen said her team is prepared to face a difficult South Suburban Conference this spring, and the Eagles will do so with a new group hoping to change the team’s fortunes.

“It is always great about a new year when the next wave of players gets their chance to shine,” Christiansen said. “We are going to need to work hard to be consistent performers and stay focused.”

Key returners

The Eagles have two returning players that were All-Lake Conference Honorable Mention a year ago, and both will be taking on new positions this year. Lynsi Havens will move from outfield to first base, Christiansen said, while Loryn Charbonneau, who was a second baseman as a freshman and a shortstop as a sophomore, will be a pitcher this season.

Key losses

Apple Valley lost four seniors who were all multi-year starters. The Eagles will look to replace pitcher Lindsey Hubler, third baseman Carrie Mason, first baseman Kelsey Kyle and left fielder Brianna Dennis.

The outlook

This season’s new South Suburban Conference will be loaded with potentially strong teams, led by defending champion Burnsville. Christiansen said she expects Bloomington Jefferson and Lakeville North to be right behind the Blaze in the standings, and it is pretty wide open after that.

“Our goal would be to string some wins together and get in the mix for the top half of the conference,” Christiansen said.