LITCHFIELD — The Litchfield softball team will be in search of filling a handful of roles for the 2024 season.
The Dragons, who were 3-11 in Wright County Conference play a season ago, finished with a 5-17 overall record in 2023. One of their five wins came in the first round of the Section 3AA playoffs in a 13-2 upset victory over Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City.
Kristen Roepke, formerly Gotfredson, enters her second season at the helm. She will be assisted by Nick Besemer.
“We have a lot of new players moving up to fill vacant varsity positions,” Roepke said. “I’m looking forward to seeing how these younger girls step up to fill those roles.”
Litchfield returns seven starters to its lineup this spring. Leading the way are its four seniors in utility Isabelle Culbertson, pitcher Caroline Grabow, second baseman Camryn Iverson and left fielder Olivia Olson.
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Also returning to the Dragons’ starting lineup is junior shortstop Grace Holmgren and sophomore pitchers Claire Holmgren and Kelsey Palmer.
Freshman Paizli Johnson and sophomore Carmen Lopez will be vying for spots in the Dragons’ starting lineup.
“(Paizli) played junior varsity as an eighth-grader and will be fighting for the starting catching position,” Roepke said. “(Carmen) was a pinch runner last season and is looking to be the starting center fielder this season.”
Litchfield graduated shortstop Olivia Holmgren and first baseman/catcher Izzy Pennertz from last season. Holmgren was a West Central Tribune All-Area Second Team pick and earned All-Wright County Conference honors and Pennertz was an All-Area Honorable Mention.
The Dragons open up their fresh campaign against Rockford at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, April 11, at Rockford. Litchfield’s home opener is set for 4:30 p.m. Thursday, April 16, against Southwest Christian.
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