Lincoln-Way West Ready to Next Steps Thanks to Returning Starters

Coach: Heather Novak

Last year’s record: 14-21 overall, 7-11 in the Southwest Suburban Red

Quick hit: Our season will be a successful one if: “We can continue to get better every day,” Novak says.

Infield: Myranda Eckberg (junior, shortstop) hit .327 last season with seven doubles and 23 RBI. Alex Stull (junior, utility player) led the team in hitting (.377) as well as home runs RBI, runs and stolen bases last season. She will secure a spot in the infield for the Warriors. There will be competition for the remaining positions between the returning starters and some up-and-coming sophomores and juniors on the roster.

Outfield: Sam Magruder (sophomore, outfielder) hit .330 with 30 runs and a .385 on-base percentage. Who will be in the outfield alongside Magruder? That’s to be determined, as some returning players and additions to the rosters are competing for playing time.

Pitching staff: The pitching staff will be made up of sophomores Sarah Clark and Megan Fahrforth and junior Alex Stull. “We will need all three pitchers to step up this season,” Novak said. Fahrforth led the staff in wins last year, while Clark had the most strikeouts. 

Catcher: Alex Carr and Alex Stull will assume most of the catching responsibilities. Both bring a lot of knowledge and experience. Carr hit .365 last year with 26 RBI and had an on-base percentage of .430.

Coach Novak says: “We are still a young team and we will continue to improve throughout the season. Not many teams get the opportunity of returning all of their starters from the previous season, and we are looking forward to being competitive in our conference and sectional.”

College recruits: Alex Carr (Maryville University)