As with most teams in the game of softball, the 2022 Central College season hinges on the success of their pitching.

The Dutch are coming off a disappointing 20-14 season a year ago, but bring back eight of ten starters, including both pitchers. Juniors Sydni Huisman and Morgan Schaben dazzled in a truncated 2020 season as freshmen, then endured a rocky sophomore campaign in 2021 that was impacted greatly by several covid issues within the program. Coach George Wares says that he’s excited to see what the two of them can do in what should be a mostly normal season this spring.

“Sydni Huisman’s had a solid first month of practice and she experienced some really good things in the NFCA Leadoff Classic in her freshman season, as did Morgan Schaben. Last year was kind of up and down, and Schaben’s was way more down than up towards the end. Part of that was injury driven and part of that was driven by lack of confidence. I think we’ve got Morgan back to where she’s getting healthier. I’m not sure if she’s going to be completely healthy this season, as it’s kind of one of those nagging things, but we’ll see how that goes when she starts pitching back-to-back days.”

The Dutch will be tested early this season as they head to Columbus, Georgia for action in the prestigious NFCA Leadoff Classic this Friday thru Sunday. Check the Live Radio Sports Guide for game times and broadcast locations, as all games will be available on either 92.1 KRLS or www.kniakrls.com.