Randolph catcher Megan Erickson could be described by some as a big fish in a small pond, but her coach argues the sophomore is a big fish in a significantly bigger pond.
"I think, in fact, it would be hard to find a better catcher than her in the state of Minnesota," said Rockets coach Dennis Trom.
Erickson and classmate Morgyn Otte form the heart of a potent Randolph offense that scored 45 runs in an April 2 season-opening doubleheader sweep of Schaeffer, a program in just its second varsity season, and 15 in a victory over Austin/Lyle-Pacelli on Friday. While the competition gets a little tougher Tuesday against Class 2A Pine Island, Erickson and the Rockets (3-0, 0-0) are up for the challenge.
Erickson batted .529 with eight doubles, eight triples, four home runs, 40 runs scored and 33 RBI last season as a ninth-grader, helping the Rockets to a third-place finish in the Class A state tournament. Oh, and she struck out just twice in 87 plate appearances.
Otte, entering her fourth varsity season as a sophomore, went 23-2 with 163 strikeouts and just 34 walks last season. Also a volleyball and basketball standout, Otte has pitched 10 scoreless innings this season.
Pine Island is a mostly new team after graduating 10 players from the squad that finished 9-8 last season. Catcher Abby Bauman and first baseman Sydney Andrist might be the most experienced holdovers for the Panthers (0-1, 0-0).