The high school softball and baseball season gets underway on Monday around the state and like a lot of teams the Atlantic softball team is fired up for games to start. Atlantic Head Coach Terry Hinzmann said the team has been a lot of fun in practice with the excitement for a season that was uncertain during the pandemic. A lot of protocols have been put in place to follow for practice and games but Coach Hinzmann said that part has been going well.

Atlantic is coming off another strong season with a 27-9 record, but the year ended with some disappointing losses including in the opening round of the postseason. Coach Hinzmann said the team has certainly been motivated by the end to last year but he thinks more of the enthusiasm has come from just being able to compete.

The Trojans will be replacing a couple of stellar seniors from last year in shortstop Bailey Newell and right fielder Karsyn Rush but a lot of varsity experience returns as well. 6 starting sophomores and 2 junior starters are back for another season. Coach Hinzmann said they will need to have a mixture of power and speed to have success this year but ultimately it comes down to strong defense and the returning pitching staff.

The Trojans open up on the road Monday at Lewis Central. They will then play a varsity doubleheader on Tuesday to open the home slate against Denison-Schleswig. We will have that Tuesday double-dip on KJAN. The Trojans are playing their home games at the Atlantic Little League Complex this year due to construction on their traditional home field.