Minnehaha Academy at New Life Academy
4:15 p.m., Tuesday, April 5

New Life Academy begins this season facing plenty of questions.

None may be more important than how to replace graduated standout pitcher Valerie Hohol and catcher Malorie Giere, who led the Eagles to their fifth state title last season.

The New Life program has a strong tradition, with four straight Class 1A championships from 2008-11 and second-place finishes in 2013 and 2014. 

Freshman Emmy Erickson is the leading candidate to take over for Hohol, while junior infielders Kayla and Maya Binsfeld should anchor the team defensively.

Minnehaha Academy, meanwhile, must also fill several key roster spots, including replacements for starting pitcher Megan Thurow and sluggers Jennifer Mrozek (.479, 20 RBI) and Gracia Gilreath (.450, 16 RBI, 29 R).

The Redhawks, however, still have some offensive weapons. They return third baseman Sarah Kaminski (.525, 22 RBI, 20 runs) and first baseman Emily Mortenson, (.439, 17 RBI). Eighth-grader Kate Pryor hit .316 and has good speed that Minnehaha Academy will utilize in the leadoff spot.

Olivia DuBois pitched in two games last season and will take over as a starter while splitting time in the circle with Kaminski.