Posting a double-digit win total for the third straight year, Lone Tree softball wrapped up their 2023 season with a 10-16 overall record and finished with a 6-9 conference record. 

Looking to replace the production and leadership of six seniors who graduated the year prior, the Lady Lions went into this year with a roster that consisted of zero seniors. They sported a young team that was composed of three juniors, eight sophomores, three freshmen, and four eighth graders.  

Never going on a losing streak that lasted more than three games and never going on a winning streak that lasted more than two games, Lone Tree put together a season that was full of ups and downs. 

Lone Tree’s season came to an end after being unable to topple Southeast Iowa Super Conference rival, the Highland Huskies, in the first round of the playoffs. An away game for the Lady Lions they fell to the Huskies, 9-3.

Despite falling in the first round Lone Tree possessed a roster full of talent, a statement that was further solidified when six Lady Lions were chosen for the all-conference team for the SEISC. 

Headlining the six selections by being the sole Lady Lion to receive first team honors is sophomore Kayleigh Rundlett. Rundlett, selected first team all-conference as a catcher, posted a .915 fielding average and picked off 10 runners attempting to steal a base. 

Lone Tree’s leadoff batter, sophomore Vivian Zaruba, earned a second team all-conference selection as an outfielder. On offense she was a force, leading the team in batting average and hits with .403 and 29 respectively. She also had a great knack of rounding the bases, leading the team in 30 stolen bases, and bringing in a team leading 37 runs scored. 

Starting the most games on the mound for Lone Tree this year was sophomore Alex Dautremont. She ended the year with a 6-8 pitching record, struck out 52 batters, and had an ERA of 6.35. Her skills on the mound did not go unnoticed; she was selected second team all-conference as a pitcher. 

Hogan Eden, a sophomore, was another impact player on offense for Lone Tree. She was third on the team in hits with 21, reached double digit RBIs with 10, and had a .318 batting average. Eden was selected second team all-conference as an infielder. 

Despite a season that saw two less wins than the previous year Lone Tree softball has a bright future to look forward to. Stock full of young talent who will continue to grow and flourish this team will be looking to make some noise in the regular season and postseason sooner rather than later.