Thunder Softball Players Named All-Region

June 4

Wes Vork-NSO

Lisa Muehlberger and Anna Engelmeier, both sophomores for the Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College softball team, were named All-Region 13 this past week.

The pair led the Thunder to a 14-14 record just a win short of making the MCAC State Tournament held at Braun Park in Cloquet the first weekend in May.

Muehlberger, a third baseman, finished the season with a .570 batting average, 52 RBIs and a slugging percentage of .640. She also made just four errors on the season. The former Duluth Central standout was among the leaders in five offensive statistical categories this season.

“Lisa had an incredible year and really deserves any awards she gets,” commented Thunder coach Kerry Rodd. “She was a force at the plate and you could ask any coach on any other team and they wanted nothing to do with her. Lisa was an incredible threat at the plate and could change the game, and often did, with just one swing of the bat.”

Engelmeier was the catalyst for the team as the leadoff hitter for the Thunder. As the Thunder’s centerfielder she played a strong and steady outfield, but she also finished with a .434 average, struck out just twice in 99 at bats, stole 13 bases and led the team in runs scored.

“Anna set the table for the big hitters behind her,” Rodd said. “In her freshman year she struggled a little with the bat, but she came a long way this season and the team fed off her ability to lead off with a hit.”

The Thunder have been busy during the spring recruiting and Rodd continues to beat the bushes finding talent.

“I think we’ve done a good job of finding kids this year especially because there just aren’t a lot of seniors available,” mentioned Rodd. “I like our class coming in and I think we’ll be very athletic as a group with our freshman.”

Last week Rodd received a verbal commitment from Roseau native, Jennifer Skime, a speedy outfielder who will join an already impressive list of recruits.

“Skime will add even more speed to a good freshman group,” explained Rodd. “She led the Rams in stolen bases her senior year and we expect more of the same from her here. She is a great athlete.”

Joining Skime will be Cloquet pitcher Denise Rodd, McGregor pitcher Courtney Kruse, Jenna Shanda a first baseman from Barnum, Cromwell catcher Dayna Elmer, Duluth East’s Mandi Maruca a player who can play multiple positions, Esko outfielder Kari Palmi another quick outfielder.

“Skime, Palmi, Maruca, Elmer give us kids with very good speed,” Rodd suggested. “Kruse, Rodd and Shanda all are good athletes who are by no means slow. With the ladies we have coming back from last year we do think we’ll have a very good mix of talent.”

Wes Vork can be reached at wes@northlandsportsonline.com