Calvary Lutheran softball trying out different combinations early

Samantha Matthews is one of six seniors for the Calvary Lutheran Lady Lions this season.
Samantha Matthews is one of six seniors for the Calvary Lutheran Lady Lions this season.

The Calvary Lutheran softball team isn't off to the best start. And the season hasn't even started yet.

The Lady Lions will have nine players available today in the New Haven Classic for various reasons and had to push back one of next week's games because of a shortage of players.

At least they'll be able to take the field today for three games, starting at 9:45 a.m. against Elsberry.

The tournament will give Calvary an opportunity to use a few pitchers and different lineups.

"Very likely going to try different scenarios," Calvary coach Denice Burks said. "This weekend might give us more of a determination of how we're going to start."

At the top of the pitching rotation is senior Abbie Klatt.

"She's got pretty good velocity," Burks said. "She's got a few pitches as well, movement pitches. She's been working hard on that."

Burks plan on making sure not to overuse Klatt by substituting in sophomore Claire Duenckel, and juniors Clare Hart and Emily Hauck.

"We're going to try to give them each an opportunity and see what they can do," Burks said.

Returning behind the plate is senior Samantha Matthews.

Sydney Duenckel, a senior, will primarily play first base.

Taking her usual spot at second base will be junior Anna Zimmerman, who can also play shortstop if needed.

Lily McCarty is back at shortstop for her senior season.

"But she may see some outfield too," Burks said. "She would kind of like to do that."

In left field will be Hart, who could also be placed at second base.

When she's not in the pitcher's circle, Claire Duenckel will either be in center field or third base.

"A couple positions are tough to determine at this point," Burks said. "Probably going to move people around in the beginning."

Jaelyn Engelbrecht, who'll be primarily a volleyball player, and Carlie Rieber, who's out with an injury, round out the senior class.

"They want to go out with a bang," Burks said. 'We'll see what they can do. They're very encouraging to each other."

The Lady Lions will also have freshman Kaleigh Kaiser available after she gets the required 14 practices in.

"I think she's going to do just fine as the season goes on," Burks said.

With Tuesday's game against Van-Far being moved to Sept. 23, Calvary's home opener will be Sept. 12 against district foe California.

Joining them in Class 2 District 9 are Russellville, Versailles and Warsaw.

"I know Russellville was solid last year," Burks said. "And I know they got most of their players back, so they'll be solid again this year. California was solid last year and I know they had a young pitcher, so they'll be good this year."