The Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union has released its preseason softball rankings, and two local schools have made the cut in their respective classes.

In Class 5A, Indianola is ranked #9. The Indians finished 34-5 last year and concluded their season in the consolation bracket of the state tournament. The Indians lose a fair amount of senior talent offensively, but juniors Destiny Lewis and Alley May are two key returning players who should make a big impact at the plate.

In the pitching circle, Indianola returns last year’s ace in Kate Kralik. In her sophomore season, Kralik was a dominant force, starting all but two games and compiling an ERA of 1.24. She returns for her junior season this year.

Indianola gets the season underway on June 15th with a home game against Newton.

Pleasantville is in the Class 2A rankings at #14. The Trojans finished 25-12 overall last season, but were bounced in their postseason opener by Pella Christian on their home field. Four of the top five players by batting average return to this year’s team. That includes last season’s batting champion, Makenzie McGriff. Josie Sowers had the second best average last year, batting .496, and led the team with 62 hits.

In the circle, last year’s top talent is gone, after the graduation of Abby DeJoode. Faith Vanderhart was DeJoode’s understudy last season, and started 15 games of her own. In 68 ⅔ innings pitched last year, she gave up 95 hits and 31 walks, while striking out 51 batters. She’ll return as a junior this season and try to pick up where DeJoode left off as a reliable and talented everyday starter.

Plesantville opens the season on June 15th at Van Meter.