SAINT PETER, Minn. — The Gustavus softball team kicks off its 2024 season this weekend, heading to Mankato for a series of opening games at the Minnesota State Dome. The Gusties will face UW-La Crosse Saturday at 1 p.m., followed by a 3:30 p.m. game against Simpson. The Gusties are looking to build off last year's season, finishing fourth in the conference with a MIAC record of 14-8 and an overall record of 24-18.

Head Coach Coley Ries Welter, in her fourth year at the helm for the Gusties, will look toward her four upperclassmen to lead a young team and make a splash in the conference this season. 

"Although we have a young roster with only four upperclassmen, they have been an integral part of our program's growth, and a big part of their job has been taking the younger players under their wing and helping them transition quickly into the college game. Madi Mueller has been the spark for this team for three years, so we will definitely be looking to her to set the tone."

Mueller returns for her senior season after earning her third All-MIAC honor the year before, starting in 32 games with a .283 batting average after hitting 26-for-92. She scored 24 runs with nine doubles, one home run, nine RBI, a .413 slugging percentage, and a .387 on-base percentage. Mueller made a collection of impressive plays in center field, totaling 68 putouts with five assists and one error for a .986 fielding percentage.

The Gusties also return 2023 Golden Glove Recipient Greta Dahlen, All-Conference outfielder Kayla Herda, and senior infielder Izzy Reuvers. Dahlen started in 40 games in right field for the Gusties in her sophomore season, recording a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage, committing no errors in 62 total chances. Dahlen notched 60 putouts and two assists, and was one of only four MIAC softball athletes with a perfect fielding percentage. Meanwhile, Herda led the team at the plate with a .341 batting average, 47 hits, 35 runs, 138 at-bats, two triples, and 60 total bases. 

Gustavus will miss the likes of starting pitcher Piper Otto, a three-time All-Conference selection for the Gusties, but Welter expects sophomore Maizie Anderson to step up to the challenge.

"Maizie had a great All-Conference freshman season, and we will be looking to her to build on that. First-years Ava Hamsund and Megan Sherwood can also make an immediate impact, and we will have Marah Hulke returning from injury in about a month. With these four arms, we have four distinct looks to throw at hitters, and I'm excited to see how we can use that to our advantage." 

Coming off the team's best season in over five years, and the first playoff win since 2015, Welter is looking forward to taking the team one step further this season.

"I think last year was the turning point for us to truly believe that we can compete with any team we play. Each season we have reached the next step to getting where we want this program to be, and I'm excited to see us continue in the right direction."

The Gusties will wait for April 3 to begin conference play, hosting Concordia for the team's home opener.