She didn’t have her best game of her career, but Maple Grove senior pitcher Sydney Smith started her final year in the right direction.

In the process of hurling a complete game, the reigning Metro Player of the Year allowed just two hits while striking out seven and walking three in the Crimson’s 8-2 victory over Blaine on Tuesday afternoon at Blaine High School.

“(I was) just shaking some rust off, and getting back into the game mode, because it’s way different than practice mode,” Smith said.   

Last season the Louisiana State University went 22-2, struck out 256 batters and posted an ERA just above 0.5. She also threw one perfect game, five no-hitters and had six shutouts. 

When Smith pitches well, success follows, but Crimson hitting also plays a role in her success. Maple Grove has averaged nearly seven runs per game during the last two seasons.

“It’s going to be tough for teams to beat us if we put up eight runs even when Sydney (Smith) is off, because when we talk about (her) being off a little bit, it’s two runs, maybe three runs,” Maple Grove coach Jim Koltes said. 

Senior catcher Hanna Lund will also play a big role in determining Maple Grove's fortunes this season.This is her first season starting behind home plate. Last year’s starter, Jordan Mauch, is playing at Minnesota State University-Mankato. Last season Mauch was named to the 2014 All-Metro First Team. She allowed two stolen bases in three seasons at Maple Grove. 

Koltes said Lund is prepared to take over the role. 

“It’s her time,” Koltes said aboug Lund. “She’s had to wait till her senior year, so she’s ready for the opportunity.”

Lund went 2-for-4 and drove in three runs on Wednesday. Lund said it’s felt like eternity to get her chance to start for the Crimson. 

“I’ve been waiting for this forever,” Lund said. “It’s so fun to end our senior year in this way all together.” 

Outfielder Sammi Sadler is listed as one of the Star Tribune’s players to watch in the Metro this season. The Crimson have eight returning starters in all. Maple Grove has reached the sate Class 3A state tournament, finishing second in 2014 and 2012 and fourth in 2013.

“We have the pieces to be as good as we want to be,” Koltes said. “We have our work cut out for us, but the one thing we have going for us is we’ve been there and we’ve done that and I think the kids experience will carry them through.”      

Smith said Maple Grove needs to take the season day-by-day. 

“Anything can happen, so we’re just focusing on winning the conference and going step-by-step,” Smith said.

Senior catcher Hanna Lund drove in three runs to help power Maple Grove to an 8-2 season-opening victory over Blaine on Wednesday at Blaine High School.

Lund belted a double in the fifth, which scored one of the Crimson’s three runs in the inning. First baseman Megan Muchrone knocked in one of her two runs in the fifth. Senior third baseman Sarah Michal, senior left fielder Kea Anderson and senior second baseman Taylor Meyer each drove in a run.

Maple Grove took control with a four-run sixth inning.

Maple Grove senior pitcher and reigning Metro Player of the Year Sydney Smith pitched a complete game with seven strikeouts and three walks. Blaine senior pitcher Erica Winter went five innings, allowing six runs while striking out two and walking none.

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