After three weeks of practice time, the Perry softball team finally hits both the road and the diamond tonight with a Heart of Iowa opening game against South Hamilton.  Perry returns a strong nucleus for Head Coach Tina Lutterman after posting a 13-13 record and 7-7 mark in their inaugural run through the Heart of Iowa Conference.  Perry split with South Hamilton last year with both games decided by one run.

Perry will look to their two future college players to provide a lot of the offense this season.  All State shortstop Lydia Olejniczak is back in the starting lineup for the fifth year.  The star hit .506 last season with five homeruns and 31 RBI’s.   Olejniczak will play softball next fall at Drake.   Kathryn West is also back to patrol the outfield.  West scored 19 runs last season and will play softball next year at Central College in Pella.  Perry returns four other starters including pitcher Maci Tunink.  The junior was 12-11 last year with a 4.84 ERA.

Youngsters Karagyn Whelchel and Emmalee Bell will provide plenty of offensive upside throughout the season as well. The two combined to drive in 44 runs a season ago with Bell smashing three homeruns.

Varsity first pitch tonight in Jewell is slated for 7:00.