The Lakers are heading into the spring softball season with a lot of talent on a young team.
As of press time, Glen Lake and St. Mary were exposed to begin the season Tuesday, but cold temperatures postponed the game.
Nevertheless, the Lakers, along with other local teams, will throw the first pitch of the season sometime this week.
Glen Lake coach Lauryn Pleva will be in her third year, and a lot of speed will return for the 2025 spring season.
“It’s definitely going to be one of the seasons that we lean into offensively this year,” Pleva said.
The Lakers have six freshmen to supplement the loss of three seniors, along with a majority of underclassmen who played last season. The focus is on work ethic and coachability.
First- and second-year students are heading into a varsity team with spots and playing time up for grabs.
“They’ve got to hit the ground running, and they’ve all done that. They’ve all been working extremely hard, and it’s actually been a real motivating factor for a lot of the older girls, too,” Pleva said.
Glen Lake will be focusing on effort over outcome this season and not being afraid of failure.
The Lakers must step up on the mound as some young talent will be expected to step-up.
“You might not be successful in what you do, but as long as you are trying and trying to the peak of your ability, that’s all anybody can ask of you,” Pleva said.
The Lakers have 16 girls on the varsity team and 19 athletes in the middle school program.
“They’re very confident and are ready to go out there and show what they can do,” Pleva said.
Glen Lake senior Jessie Pugh is returning after being named to the dream team along with junior Grace Noonan.
Glen Lake hopes for a longer tournament run after losing to Frankfort in the districts.
Next week, the Lakers will play Marion, Suttons Bay, Bear Lake, and Mesick to get the season rolling for Glen Lake.
