As the 2022 season starts for the Oakville softball team, many wonder if the Tigers can bounce back after a 15-12 record in 2021.

The Tigers return six starters from last season’s squad, which has head coach Rich Sturm looking forward to seeing what his team can accomplish in 2022.

“I’m very optimistic,” Sturm said. “Everything really starts with pitching and defense. Our offense will be one of the strongest points of this year’s team. I’m very optimistic and very excited.”

Senior starting pitcher Savannah Hesse returns to the circle this season after posting a record of 8-9 overall with a 3.57  ERA during the 2021 campaign.

“Savannah is going to pitch, play second base and the outfield for us,” Sturm said. “She has excellent control and changes speeds very well. Her change-up and curve are exceptional and her overall game adds a lot to the overall success to our team.”

Another senior pitcher/second baseman on the Tiger’s roster is Lilly Kahle who posted a record of 2-1 overall with an ERA of 3.08 in nine games pitched.

“Lilly’s velocity is up, her command is much better and I think she’s going to surprise a lot of people this year,” Sturm said. “She has excellent control and changes speeds very well. Her change-up and curve are exceptional and her overall game adds a lot to the overall success to our team.”

Another senior pitcher/second baseman on the Tiger’s roster is Lilly Kahle who posted a record of 2-1 overall with an ERA of 3.08 in nine games pitched.

“Lilly’s velocity is up, her command is much better and I think she’s going to surprise a lot of people this year,” Sturm said. “Defensively, she’s a very good second baseman.”

At catcher, first base and in the outfield will be senior Madison Rhyne. In 2021 Rhyne batted .301 with 14 RBI and three home runs.

“Madison is very versatile and an exceptional hitter,” Sturm said. “She’s someone that can do a good job at controlling another team’s running game. She’s been working really hard in the offseason.”

Senior Mary Tutwiler will see action at left field as well as third base this season. Last season Tutwiler batted .405 with an impressive 26 RBI.

“Mary does an outstanding job at the plate and has the ability to hit the ball well to all fields,” Sturm said. “She doesn’t get overmatched by good pitching and she’s honestly gotten better and better each year.”

Sophomore Amelia Wiesler will see time behind the plate at catcher as well as playing time at first base and right field. In 2021 Wiesler batted .388 with a team leading 27 RBI and six home runs.

“I don’t believe that we have ever had a freshman hit six home runs,” Sturm said. “She hits for average and is versatile at all three positions. She’s capable of doing damage for us at any capable moment.”

Another sophomore to keep an eye on this season is shortstop Lexi Kahle.

“Lexi is a very good defensive player,” Sturm said. “She adds a speed element to our lineup, is a solid athlete and does a lot of things well for us.”

The Tigers open up the 2022 season away against Fox High School Aug. 29 with a 4:15 p.m. first pitch.