Prep Athletes of the Week: Maple Grove softball captain Alissa Wernz aims higher

Maple Grove • softball

The Crimson haven't been to the state tournament since 2019. Wernz wants that run to end, and she has company.

"The team we have this year is great," she said. "We are all connected, determined to get back to state and win it."

A junior captain committed to South Dakota State, Wernz has been a key figure in the Crimson's 7-1 start. The No. 3 hitter batted .750 last week to raise her season average to .458.

"I'm working the count more to see where to put the ball, trying to have quality at-bats," Wernz said.

Wernz previously was the leadoff hitter. She's the center fielder and has been in the Crimson starting lineup since eighth grade.

"She has taken a lot of pride in building up her strength," Maple Grove coach Jim Kolte said. "Her leadership skills have also definitely grown.

Eastview • golf

The senior committed to South Dakota shot a career-best 5-under-par 67, leading the eighth-ranked Lightning to the team title by a stroke over No. 2 Edina in the East Ridge Invitational at StoneRidge Golf Club in Stillwater. Eastview finished with a team-record 6-under-par 282. Rohlwing had two eagles in his round.

Cretin-Derham Hall • lacrosse

The two-way midfielder has 29 goals and eight assists in the Raiders' first six games. "Sofia is raising the level of play in our program and celebrates the success of the team over herself," coach Jeff Rosga said. "She is a leader who comes with a positive attitude each and every day."

Irondale • track

Eden Prairie • golf

A mainstay on the Eagles since seventh grade, Baynes has cracked the top five in the state rankings. A senior captain, she opened the season ranked fifth and has since climbed one spot. She most recently shot a 2-under-par 34 to win a three-team Lake Conference meet at Timber Creek Golf Course.

St. Paul Highland Park • baseball

The junior has helped the Scots get off to a 6-0 start. He is hitting .684 (13-for-19) with two home runs, 10 runs scored and 15 RBI. He has also stolen 12 bases. "He has a great approach and treats each at-bat like it's the most important of the season," coach Chris Steenberg said.

Minnetonka • track

Nominate an athlete: Send an e-mail with supporting information to preps@startribune.com. Include a photo and a link, if available, to video.