Area softball preview: Zumbrota-Mazeppa Cougars

2010 record: 22-4 (13-0 HVL)

Key returning players: Julia Niebuhr, Kacy Mitchell, Jamie St. Marie, Nasha Reuter, Megan Nelson and Amber Jentsch

The Cougars return five all-section players from last year’s team that earned a berth in the state tournament.

St. Marie, a senior, earned all-state honors last year, hit .500 and knocked in 23 runs. Z-M also returns its top pitcher in Nelson, who was named to the all-state team. She finished the year with a 17-2 record and a 1.11 ERA.

The Cougars have won the past two HVL titles and the past four subsection championships. The returning players along with a few newcomers have Z-M in position to add to the trophy case this year.

“Last year we had many first-year varsity players have outstanding years,” Cougars coach Kevin Nelson said. “I’m hoping some of our new varsity players can have a huge impact for us again this year.”

Tags: sports, prep, softball, zumbrota, mazeppa, cougars