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| 4/15/2009 5:34:00 PM | Email this article • Print this article | St. Anthony fastpitch looking to reload rather than rebuild
Brian Meyers
sports writer
After four years of stellar pitching from a two-time all-state hurler, the St. Anthony Village High School fastpitch softball team heads into the season with a bit of a different identity. Head coach Lamar Brendemuehl doesn't want the attitude of the team to change, however.
"We are looking to reload rather than rebuild after getting to the consolation state championship (in 2008)," said Brendemuehl. "We have a young team eager to try and start the ball rolling again toward getting on the bus for a potential fourth straight state-tournament appearance."
Rose Tusa was the cornerstone of St. Anthony's team the past four years and her graduation leaves with what Brendemuehl called a void on the mound. Rose's younger sister Jyll is expected to assume the pitching duties this season.
Jyll Tusa, a junior captain, has proven very versatile in her career. In her three years on the varsity, she has had three different regular positions (first base, right field, catcher) and will move into a fourth this year. She was an all-state honorable mention selection last year after hitting .348, posting an on-base percentage of .427 and a slugging percentage of .470. She threw 16 innings, posting a record of 1-1 with 25 strikeouts, one walk and an earned-run average of .44.
St. Anthony's other top returning players include senior captain and first baseman Brittany Myhran, who batted .383 with an on-base percentage of .456 and a slugging percentage of .583. Senior captain and shortstop Quyen Bui scored 15 times and drove in 16 runs. Junior Madison Stahel moves to third base this season after playing first base and center field last year. She came on strong near the end of the season. Juniors Hannah Osteraas and Rosie Jacobs are stepping into the starting lineup this season after playing on a part-time basis last year.
Brendemuehl has a group of two sophomores and four freshmen who will compete for the remaining lineup spots.
St. Anthony's lone game on the schedule this week was Tuesday against Concordia Academy and results were unavailable for this edition of the Bulletin. Next week, the Huskies play Minnehaha Academy at Fort Snelling on Wednesday, host St. Bernard's on Friday and play in the Henry Sibley tournament on Saturday.
Brian Meyers can be reached at bmeyers@lillienews.com.
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