Coach: Brooke Heystek
Home Field: Lynden Christian High School
Last Season: 12-13 (5-7 Conference)
Key Losses: Abby Jansma (.455 AVG, .517 OBP, 33 R, 11 2B, 1 3B, 2 HR, 23 RBI), Shanoah Whittern (.422, .480 OBP, 38 R, 6 2B, 1 3B, 11 RBI), Anny Jansma (.343 AVG, .488 OBP, 23 R, 3 2B, 2 HR, 27 RBI, 11 W, 126 IP, 76 K’s, 5.93 ERA).
Top Returnees: C/3B Maggie VanderGriend, SS Reese Dykstra, 2B Brooklyn Bosman, CF Megan Smit, P/IF Faith Suprak.
Pitchers and Catchers: The Lyncs graduated their top pitcher from last season, but they bring back a pair of pitchers with varsity experience. Junior Faith Suprak and sophomore Anna Engels combined to throw 16 innings last season, and will be leaned on heavily in 2020. Freshman Annie Zylstra is another athlete that could be placed in the circle. Senior Maggie VanderGriend has caught in the past, but she could be moved to third base, which opens the door for freshman Karsyn Postma.
Infield: A lot of talent and experience returns to the infield. As mentioned earlier, VanderGriend (.476 AVG, 37 R, 8 2B, 2 3B, 6 HR, 34 RBI) has nailed down the third base spot, with fellow seniors Reese Dykstra (.471 AVG, 32 R, 9 2B, 2 3B, 3 HR, 30 RBI) at short stop and Brooklyn Bosman (.346 AVG, 21 R, 31 RBI) at second base, the infield will be a major strength for the Lyncs. First base is still open, with a group of younger players vying for the spot.
Outfield: Sophomores Megan Smit (.311 AVG, 16 R, 4 2B, 18 RBI) and Jozie Gripp (.250 OBP, 10 R, 12 RBI) return to center field and right field, respectively. Left field could be filled by Engels (.316 AVG), or sophomores Libby Bouwman and Jorja Heldoorn.
Final Analysis: The Lyncs look sharp in practice. It’s a very vocal team that is always cheering on its teammates. A lot of offensive firepower returns, so it will mostly come down to how the young pitchers develop.
