As the trees begin to grow their leaves back and the snow begins to melt, that’s when you know spring sports are kicking back into action.
Softball
After coming off a very successful season last year, many of the softball players are eager to get back in the dome to get started once again. The team had a record of 15-5 making it to the 2021 section final. Many of the returning players are looking forward to having another deep run in sections. Second-year manager, Caitlin O’Rourke states, “We have a lot of returning players which is good. I think we are gonna be pretty strong.” Along with all the returning players, there are many new and talented freshman and 8th graders thrilled to finally play at the high school level. Captains Mara Poidinger, Kassie Caron, and Liv Lewis are all very excited for the wonderful group of girls trying out this season. Come cheer on your Stars softball team at their first home game at Lincoln Field on April 8.
Baseball
The boys are back in action after their winning record of 17-5 from the previous season. There are some key returning players, including the four selected captains Logan Olson, Troy Lynch, Will Briggs, and Tyler Niznick. The Stars are currently ranked 7th in Class 3A standings. All of the players are extremely excited to start off their season and hope to have a great run in sections. The first game for the boys is on April 9th, where they take on South St. Paul, hoping to start off the season with a win.
Boys Lacrosse
The boy’s lacrosse team ended their season last year with a solid nine and five record. Senior defender Nate Osborn has high hopes to advance far in the section tournament this year as he is excited to see so many new faces. As a new season comes it always comes with its challenges, Osborn believes one major challenge the team will face is “rebuilding the team chemistry, I am always excited to see some new faces at tryouts but I know it’s going to take some time to get to how we were last year.” The boys start their season on April 20th, against Mound Westonka and hope to see all of their supporters there!
Girls Lacrosse
The Holy Angels girls lacrosse team went eight and seven last year with an impressive 117 goals. Freshman Emma Dempsey is looking forward to this upcoming season and can not wait to go back to “being with the people I love playing the sport I love.” The team had a tough schedule last year with Minneapolis being a big competition for them every year. Last year the girls beat Minneapolis crushing them 16-6 at the end of their season which gave them momentum heading into the Section Tournament. While in the Section Tournament, the girls broke a school record when they won their first-ever section game in school history against Saint Louis Park 16-13. The team hopes to continue breaking some more records this year as they get back to the season with all the momentum from last year. Come support the girls in their first home game against St. Croix Prep on April 19th.
Boys Tennis
The Holy Angels boys tennis team is excited to go into a new season led by their coach Mr. Werle and their captains Gabe Sullivan and Auggie Coleman. The team had a good record last year and is aiming to improve. Evaluations are from March 28th-30th and the team’s first match is on the 31st of March. With the improving weather, the boys may be playing on the outside courts. The boys are prepared to work hard and have a fun season!
Boys Golf
The Holy Angels boys golf team is looking forward to starting a new season. An anonymous member of the team states that they are “excited to improve and have fun with the team.” Led by captains Jack Bartfield and Jacob Maisel, the team is ready to work hard and do their very best to achieve victory whenever and wherever possible.
Track and Field
While Track and Field is one of the many sports programs at AHA, it is one of the very few ones that is co-ed, meaning through one program, there are events for boys and girls. The track and field program is a very big sport, as it has members from every grade and students participating in every event. Since there are 44 events, students have many options of what event they want to participate in and how they want to express their talents and help the team towards a common goal. Coming off of a good season last year with the boys team winning the Conference Championship and girls winning True Team State, many athletes are excited for the upcoming seasons. One captain, Adam Katalinich, says “I am optimistic for what the season has ahead for all athletes and excited to see new people joining track to boost the program.” Everything is up for grabs this season for both the boys and girls team with their first meet on Saturday 3/26, the stars are ready to start their season off with a bang.
