07/07/2026
The 2026 softball season came to a close tonight, and while the final record finished at 7-17 overall (4-12 in the South Iowa Cedar League), this group showed determination, resilience, and continued growth from the first pitch of the season to the last.
Offensively, the Tigers put together a strong season at the plate, hitting .336 as a team while collecting 234 hits, scoring 181 runs, and stealing 78 bases in 85 attempts. Every game brought contributions from throughout the lineup, with players finding ways to get on base, put pressure on opposing defenses, and create scoring opportunities.
Several Tigers turned in outstanding individual seasons. Olyvia Grant led the team with a .530 batting average, 44 hits, 32 runs scored, 5 triples, a .699 slugging percentage, and was a perfect 15-for-15 on stolen base attempts while playing every inning at shortstop. Maggie Kriegel finished her freshman campaign hitting .443 with 39 hits and 17 RBI. Mallory Hauschilt batted .397 with 31 hits while providing steady leadership behind the plate, catching every inning of the season and throwing out eight would-be base stealers. Kinslee Meier drove in a team-high 21 runs, collected nine doubles, hit the team's lone home run, and also shouldered the majority of the innings in the pitching circle. Maeci Marshall reached base at a .422 clip while tying for the team lead in walks, and Emma Von Lienen added a .304 average and scored 19 runs.
In the circle, eighth-grader Kinslee Meier and freshman Maggie Kriegel combined to throw every inning for the Tigers. Kinslee earned six victories while recording 63 strikeouts in nearly 98 innings of work, and Maggie added 23 strikeouts in 45 innings. The future is bright with both returning to lead the pitching staff.
The Tigers were also well represented in the South Iowa Cedar League postseason awards:
🥎 First Team All-Conference: Olyvia Grant (Infield)
🥎 Second Team All-Conference: Maggie Kriegel (Outfield)
🥎 Honorable Mention All-Conference: Mallory Hauschilt
🥎 Honorable Mention All-Conference: Kinslee Meier
A special thank you goes to our two seniors, Clara Fry and Michaela Schachtlie, for their leadership, commitment, and contributions to Iowa Valley softball. Clara anchored first base throughout the season, while Michaela embraced every opportunity to help the team, including scoring 19 runs and swiping 15 bases as one of the area's most effective courtesy runners. Their dedication has helped leave the program in a great position moving forward.
Thank you to our players, coaches, families, fans, and community for your support throughout the season. With a talented young core returning and valuable experience gained this spring, the future of Iowa Valley Tigers softball is an exciting one.
Go Tigers! 🐅🥎
