LYNDEN CHRISTIAN
LYNCS
Coach: Mitch Moorlag
Last year: Finished second in the Class 1A Northwest Conference standings with a 6-7 record. ... Ended season after going 2-2 in the Class 1A State Tournament and finished 13-16 overall.
Players to watch: Bridget Kruck (sr., P/3B/OF); Karley De Jager (jr., 1B/P); Shelby Brown (jr., CF/C); Lexi Vander Griend (jr., 2B;) Livi Vander Griend (jr., SS)
Outlook: The Lyncs made an outstanding postseason run last year to get to state, and LC is looking to build off that momentum moving forward. Success starts with pitching and defense. Ace Bridget Kruck throws strike after strike, but she doesn't have overpowering stuff. "The key for us is not allowing extra base runners," LC coach Mitch Moorlag said in a phone interview. "We need to pitch strikes and let the defense work behind us. We can't give up walks." The Lyncs are mostly juniors and seniors and, thankfully, most have strong glove work. Moorlag said Livi Vander Griend and Lexi Vander Griend are slated to play the middle infield, where the duo can get some "twin chemistry" going. Shelby Brown will take over Erika Heystek's center field position, and Moorlag said Brown is excited to learn the new spot. Corner outfield positions are still a work in progress, but up-and-coming sophomores Jenah Korthuis and Lauren Huleatt are strong candidates to log time in right and left field. Karley De Jager is another big bat the Lyncs can count on. She should see time in the pitcher circle. Kasey Luna should, too.
2013 ROSTER
No. Player Yr. Pos.
1 Lexi Vander Griend Jr. 2B
2 Jenah Korthuis So. OF
3 Karley De Jager Jr. 1B/P
4 Bridget Kruck Sr. P/3B/OF
5 Kasey Luna Jr. P/OF
7 Colee Van Weerdhuizen So. IF
8 Kayla Otter Jr. 3B/OF
9 Shelby Brown Jr. CF/C
10 Lauren Huleatt So. OF
11 Ciarra Flint Sr. 3B
14 Kristen Zoerink Jr. OF
15 Livi Vander Griend Jr. SS
20 Lexi Holleman Jr. C
23 Aunaleisa Salinas Sr. OF
2013 SCHEDULE
March 11 at Squalicum 4 p.m.
March 15 Mount Baker (Bender) 4:30 p.m.
March 19 Blaine (Bender) 4:30 p.m.
March 22 Sehome (Bender)* 4:30 p.m.
March 26 at Blaine (Pipeline)* 4:30 p.m.
March 29 Bellingham (Bender)* 4:30 p.m.
April 9 at Mount Baker* 4:30 p.m.
April 11 Burlington-Edison (Bender)* 4:30 p.m.
April 13 at Okanogan 11 a.m.
April 13 at Okanogan 1 p.m.
April 16 at Anacortes* 6 p.m.
April 18 La Conner (Bender)* 4:30 p.m.
April 23 Ferndale (Bender)* 4:30 p.m.
April 26 at Lynden* 4 p.m.
April 27 Friday Harbor (Bender) TBD
April 29 Sedro-Woolley (Bender)* 4:30 p.m.
May 2 at Meridian* 4 p.m.
May 2 at Meridian 6 p.m.
May 6 at Squalicum* 4 p.m.
May 8 Nooksack Valley (Bender)* 4:30 p.m.
*NWC game
Reach ANDREW LANG at andrew.lang@bellinghamherald.com or call ext. 862.
