Softball 2024 Season Preview Article
Softball Team Excited To Open Season This Week
Justin Scott - Sports Reporter
The 2024 Lowell Softball team promises to be an entertaining and talented one, returning six starters from a team that went 23-11 last year. One of the key returning players, the Red Arrows return pitcher Megan Lillie, a junior playing her third year on the varsity squad.
“I expect big things from Megan and she is really taking on a large part of the leadership as well. She has had a full and great offseason and I think it will show! We will also have some big bats returning and I am excited to see the work these girls have put in. Katie Hofman, Amaya Jackson, and Jordyn McClymont can crush the ball and change the game in a hurry. Also returning is Seniors, Sammie Hayes and Lexi Martin. These two play some of the best defense in West Michigan. They are rock solid at the plate and I know they are looking forward to a big season,” second year softball varsity head coach Matt Dood said of his team this year.
Lowell has several games on that schedule for fans to look forward to, weather permitting of course. On April 10th just after Spring Break, Lowell will be hosting their Community Day where middle school softball and little league softball players join the team in a high-powered matchup with Hudsonville. May 3rd, Lowell hosts Calvin Christian for their hero games, players will play in honor of someone, similar to Pink Arrow in the fall, and hero games done by lacrosse, soccer, and basketball in recent years. The Mandy Tichelaar Softball Tournament, Lowell’s annual home tournament, will host three strong softball programs in Rockford, Lakewood, and the upper peninsula’s Escanaba. May 13th will be senior night against Forest Hills Central. All home games take place at the Lowell High School softball field, schedules can be found on the school’s website, redarrowsports.com
Some new faces to the lineup include Claire Mitchell, Ruby German, Sydney Darling, Adelayde Gillstrom and Sophie Konyndyk that coaches expect will make big contributions to this upcoming season along with returning seniors Emmah Handlon and Lynsi Fetterhof.
Byron Center and Lowell look to be two of the top teams in the OK White headed into the season, the Red Arrows will be aiming for their first conference championship since 2019.
“Our goal is to pressure by having the ball in play. It’s something we talk about and will work to execute all season long. We just want to keep getting better and finding ways to be unselfish teammates who want the best for each other. That is what will make us the best team by the end of the season,” Coach Dood concluded.
The Lowell program is closing in on 10,000 runs scored. They’re at 8,692 heading into 2024, with the 1979 season’s run total still to be figured out. Lowell is scheduled for doubleheaders with future conference opponents Cedar Springs and Kenowa Hills, hopefully weather and field conditions allow for the team to get on the field to start their season.
