Stohr Looks To Improve Henry Sibley's Softball Program

HENRY SIBLEY WARRIORS SOFTBALL 

Last season: 5-14

Conference record: 5-9 (tied for sixth place in Lake Conference) 

The Henry Sibley softball team is hoping to move up in standings in the competitive Classic Suburban Conference under first-year head coach Phil Stohr, who spent four year as the junior varsity coach at South St. Paul. 

“I got this opportunity at Sibley and I am very excited to be there and continue their tradition and build a program,” Stohr said.

Stohr said that he has been pleased with what he has seen from his team so far this spring.  

“We have several returners and they were a young team last year,” Stohr said. “So far, we look good, but what you see inside a gym doesn’t always translate on the field. I really love the group of kids that we have. We have some great captains and I can see that right away. We have good leadership and both pitchers back from last year, so that is a real positive.” 

Key returning players

Stohr feels that the continued improvement of his returning junior right-handed pitchers will be key to the team’s success. The Warriors allowed seven teams to score 10 or more runs last season. 

“Lilly Haagenson is a captain and from just looking at last year’s stats, she appeared to do most of the pitching,” Stohr said. “Stephanie Gilbert has had really good preseason workouts. I think that injuries were a factor for her last year. I think that she is looking forward to coming back this year and making big contributions.”

Stohr has high hopes for two seniors, catcher Emily Usset and center fielder Katie Jacobson, who will provide leadership to his team. 

“(Usset) is a good hitter,” Stohr said. “I like her hitting and the leadership to take charge of the infield as catcher. I’m looking at her to be our primary catcher this year. Jacobson has good speed and is a captain. We are looking for good things out of her, too” 

Conference outlook

The Classic Suburban Conference 2010 champion was North St. Paul, which finished runner-up to Burnsville at the Class AAA state tournament. The Polars finished 14-0 in conference play, five games ahead of second place Hill-Murray.

Stohr said that finding offensive punch will be critical for an improved record this season. 

“The number one thing I see is hitting,” said Stohr. “We graduated our three top hitters and after that, we need to improve. That I can definitely attest to. I would say that is our biggest thing, is we have got to improve on our hitting.”