Quick Q&A: Paige Ahrens, Hastings softball

Ahrens, starting catcher for the Raiders' softball team, has been pivotal in helping it to an 8-1 start. Here is a closer look at Ahrens, who also was a member of the school's volleyball team:

Q: Three songs you never skip on your iPod are …

A: "Shot Me Down" by David Guetta, "Come Together" by the Arctic Monkeys and anything from a musical.

Q: At your first varsity practice, you felt …

A: … so nervous I actually tripped over my own shoelaces.

Q: What did you work on most in the offseason?

A: I really worked hard with our pitcher, Meagan Friederichs. I catch for her. I also worked on my own skills such as blocking and framing.

A: To be a great leader. Of course, it would be nice to go to state, but what really matters is the relationship you have with your team.

Q: Most memorable moment as a prep athlete?

A: Beating Owatonna 25-21, 16-25, 25-18, 27-25 to get to the Class 3A, Section 1 semifinals in volleyball this past fall.

Q: One sport that you wish you could play, and why?

A: Tennis, because that is a sport you can play at any age.

A: I wish softball was in the fall, so we wouldn't have to worry about it snowing in May.

Q: How do you balance school and sports during the year?

A: I have to cut Netflix to a minimum.

Q: Do you have a secret talent – and if so, what is it?

A: I love playing classical piano.