The Lone Tree softball team is under a week away from their season opener. The Lions are coming off of an 11-14 record a year ago, finishing 7-9 in the Southeast Iowa Superconference. Lone Tree ended the regular season on a three game winning streak that included victories over Calamus-Wheatland and a sweep of English Valleys. The Lions hit .273 last season, led by Arlie Lorack at .516. That made the freshman the Superconference North Division batting champion and placed her fourth in class 1A. She ended with 33 hits, 16 runs scored and 15 RBI. Lone Tree returns their top eight hitters from last season on this year’s team.

In the circle, Lone Tree had a team ERA of 3.78. Lion ace Abby Buckman returns for her senior season. She led Lone Tree last season with a 7-12 record, and 2.64ERA in 116 and two thirds innings. That ERA was ninth best in the Superconference. Kinley Hayes, Arlie Lorack and Sara Branson all also saw time in the circle a year ago and return for the Lions. This week, Lone Tree head softball coach Tom Dickey talked about this year’s team. “We have five seniors. Abby Buckman is a first team all-conference pitcher and school record holder for strikeouts. She’s the leader of our team on the field. Whitney Willoz at third base is a really steady player for us and does a lot of good things at the plate. All five of our seniors are willing to sacrifice for the team. They have no egos. They are there for the right reasons and are great all around kids. Sara Branson at either shortstop or second base. We have a void at second that I have talked with her about filling in. First baseman Lilly Miller is a second team all-conference player for us. Came out of nowhere last year, hit over .400. She is a vocal leader. Holley Johnson is a great defensive centerfielder. She made some incredible catches and is one of the best overall athletes to come through Lone Tree.”

The Lions open the season on Monday, June 15th when they travel to Columbus.