Softball | 2/26/2020 7:55:00 AM

Live Stats (McKendree)
Live Video (McKendree)
Live Stats (Maryville)
MOORHEAD, Minn. — An experienced roster leads the way for the Minnesota State University Moorhead softball team as the Dragons begin 2020. MSUM opens the season on Saturday at McKendree for a non conference doubleheader which begins at noon.

The Dragons will face Maryville University on Sunday in St. Louis, Mo., for a doubleheader which also begins at noon. Amanda Reckamp is entering her second season as the MSUM head softball coach.

MSUM's three seniors are seasoned veterans. First baseman Payton Gaber (.340, 16 RBI in 2019) and third baseman Emma Dummer (.293, team-best seven homers and 14 doubles) have each started 90 games over the past two seasons.  Outfielder Madison Paige redshirted in 2019 but set an MSUM single-season record with 16 doubles in 2017. In 2018 she hit .359 with a team-best .359 despite battling an injury.

"Our senior core will be a big piece to our success, both with what they bring on the field in terms of execution and their leadership of the larger, younger group that is around them," Reckamp said.

Pitcher Becky Berth leads an experienced junior trio. She was 10-20 last year with a 3.79 ERA while adding three saves. She led the team with 90 strikeouts, and set a single-season MSUM record with 221.2 innings pitched last season. Outfielder Elizabeth Johnson was second on the team in batting average (.327) while adding seven doubles and 19 RBI. First baseman/designated hitter Ashley McCance hit .309 with 11 doubles and 15 RBI a year ago.

Sophomore catcher Jordie McNeilly started all 47 games last year and finished with two homers and 20 RBI. Samantha Gjerde (.288, 11 RBI) and Kaiya Sundeen (.250, 15 RBI) will look to play at second base and shortstop, respectively.  Outfielder Shay Weber started 43 games a year ago and had seven doubles, while Jordey Smith started 16 games in the outfield as well. Sophomore Ally Helgoe also saw time at second base last season and provides depth in the middle infield. Sophomore Anna Lang pitched 81 innings on the mound and picked up three wins.

A pair of freshmen joined the Dragons last fall and will look to contribute this season:  pitcher Abby Muelrath and pitcher/infielder Kiley Washnieski.

"I am definitely looking forward to seeing our progress from last year to this year," Reckamp said. "We have a strong returning group that really dedicated themselves to the work needed to make strides this year.  I am confident we are another year stronger physically and mentally on the field as well as united in the journey ahead of us as Team 46."