A meaningful yard

Any team that loses a Metro Player of the Year will have its doubters the following season. That certainly can be said about Eagan after pitcher Sara Moulton moved on to play for the Gophers.

But one new rule change might have given the Wildcats an extra strike.

The Minnesota State High School League has moved the pitching distance back from 40 to 43 feet -- an extension that players and coaches are saying no doubtwill change high school softball.

Increasing the batter's reaction time should create more contact at the plate, and ultimately put more emphasis on hitting and fielding.

Pitchers might not like it.

"But as a batter, you're going to love it," Eagan coach Courtney Dully said.

Dully said she hopes that will suit the Wildcats just fine. In winter ball and a few recent spring scrimmages, the girls have been swinging hot sticks -- all at 43 feet.

Players such as Kyndra Beekman, Jena and Dana Holmes, Morgan Haus, Abby Brinkmeier, Kendra Karel and Kendra Callister will lead the Wildcats at the plate.

More runs will be scored across the board in Minnesota, so Eagan's goal is fitting: outhit and outscore its opponents.

Beekman, a senior captain and power-hitting shortstop, has seen the direct impact of the extra three feet.

"It gives you more time to see the ball; see how it's moving, set your hands, adjust your swing and just kind of time it more," Beekman said. "So you have the ability to trust your hands and get around the ball if you need to and put it into play."

As a shortstop, of course, that means Beekman will be affected on both offense and defense. Eagan will hand the ball to promising junior pitcher Ciara Rivera, who will mix it up, keep the ball low and hit her spots. The reality is fielders everywhere are going to see more action.

Second baseman and fellow senior captain Jena Holmes said she believes the experience and team chemistry will be a big strength for Eagan this year. Aside from their skill, the girls trust each other -- and that makes a big difference.

"I know if we're turning a double play, I'll be there, the ball's going to be there and they trust I'll be there," Holmes said. "I've just learned to trust all of them because I really respect them as players."

The Wildcats have another thing in common: They all feel they have something to prove. Expectations might be different for the team that finished last year's regular season undefeated, but it would be unwise to take them lightly.