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Optimism around the Adel-Desoto-Minburn Tigers softball team continues to grow as the youthful group pursues more wins. Seven of ADM’s nine regular starters are sophomores and youngers including two eighth-graders cracking Rick Dillinger’s batting order. Leading this group of youngsters is the team’s lone senior, Ashley Tennant. The Raccoon Valley Radio Network spoke with Tennant after a three home run performance Wednesday in a road doubleheader sweep of Perry. When asked about being the only senior on the squad, Tennant says she likes the role even with its challenges. “(I) have to be the adult of the team, but it’s been really fun,” Tennant said, “I like being the only senior, they look up to me, some of them are scared of me, but I can still joke around with them and have a good time.”

ADM head softball coach Rick Dillinger asked Tennant to move from third base to behind the plate during preseason practice and has been pleased with her progress learning the position. “She continues to get better every night she catches,” Dillinger said, “The combination of her leadership and her hitting ability is very good for us. She’s leading well (but) we even want her to get to a higher level with her leadership. She’s going on to play college ball, and I think that’ll only help her.

Tennant and the Tigers softball team have two more games at the Roland Story Softball tournament today before returning to Adel Monday for a Raccoon River Conference matchup versus the Carroll Tigers.