RLC Lady Warriors Softball Preview

RLC Head Softball Coach Dawn McClellan said there is one big collective emotion coming into the season opener.

“The thoughts of most of the players and myself is that of relief. It is finally here,” McClellan said. “With all of their hard work, dedication and long hours that they’ve put in, they are just ready to get at it.”

The Lady Warrior squad opens the season on Tuesday with a double header against St. Louis Community College. The starting pitcher for game one will be Abby Gartner, a sophomore from Lawrence, Ill., and freshman Danielle Bieber of Tower Hill will throw first in the second game.

Heading into her inaugural season at the helm, McClellan said she is looking forward to seeing how well the camaraderie of the team develops over the course of the schedule

“The girls just mesh so well together,” she said. “For me being a first time coach this year, I was very shocked at how the team was able to come together as one. That can be one of the hardest things.”

McClellan said she feels fortunate to have four veteran players to help lead this year’s squad. Those sophomore players include outfielders Devon Davis of Marion, Rylee Breeze of Waltonville, Maddy Britton of West Frankfort and Katie Shuetz of Goreville.

Shuetz is back for her third season with the Lady Warriors. Her career has included 66 total hits, 25 RBIs and a .418 batting average.

“We are excited to have her back this season,” she said.

While COVID restrictions have caused certain safety protocols to be put in place, McClellan explained that the bottom line is the team is ready to get the season in full swing.

“We are just super excited to be back on the field and getting a chance to play the game that the girls love,” she said.

Catch all the Lady Warrior home games for free through RLC’s livestream on its YouTube channel.