Sports

Monarch softball came out swinging in a home sweep of Russell Friday afternoon, 16-1 and 16-0. 2-0 on the season, Thomas More Prep-Marian hosted Ellinwood Tuesday afternoon.

The Hays High Indians opened their season Saturday morning with a sweep of Olathe East, 9-3 and 10-5, at Salina High School South. Led by Riley Dreher at the plate and on the mound, the Indians used a big third inning to take an early lead, capitalizing on free bases from the Hawks pitching staff.

The Thomas More Prep-Marian Monarchs are back in action following a 21-11 season that ended in a fourth place finish at the 2-1A State Tournament. Though they graduated a pair of key players in Joey Mindrup and Kendall Walker, they boast a large group of returners ready to pick up where they left off.

Izabel Schmidt has made waves through Western Kansas over the last three years, making her mark on Hays High as one of the most successful swimmers in program history. This year, she hopes to cap her Indian career with another trip to State.

The Hays High Indians will look to defend their Western Athletic Conference title this season, following a year that graduated Aubree Thomas, the pitcher that aided them through monumental moments over the last four years.

Amidst an extended basketball season, a snowstorm and spring break, the Monarch softball team worked with limited time to prepare for their season opener Friday afternoon against the Russell Broncos.