Ihns, a lefthanded pitcher, is looking to lead the senior-dominant Raptors to their first state tournament berth.

Your new head coach, Afton Murray, was your assistant coach for the last few years. How has the transition gone? It's actually been pretty smooth. Better than we expected, actually. It hasn't fazed any of us. It's basically the same as before.

How was the offseason? Well, I've been playing all winter. I play with the Minnesota Sting.

What's the difference between high school and club softball? The only real difference is the competitiveness of the competition. In club softball, we see faster pitching and a lot more Division I players.

Are you itching to finally get outside? I'm dying to get outside. Outside is more natural, with the dirt and the grass and everything. Playing in a dome, you don't get to do as much and you have different rules.

Like what? For example, if a ball hits the bubble, it's a foul ball or an out, depending on the umpire.

What is your pitching style? I'm a side-to-side, lateral pitcher. I throw a lot of curves and drops. I'm not a big strikeout pitcher.

The toughest out you've ever faced? Mary Turitto of Park [of Cottage Grove]. She's at Winona State now. She can hit anything.

Season expectations? With the team chemistry we have and the amount of runs we've scored in scrimmages, I think we have what it takes to make it to the state tournament.

JIM PAULSEN