Prairie Softball

Prairie softball ready to rise to a new level

(Editor's Note: This is the fifth in a series of preseason stories about Metro softball teams. Next: Washington)

The theme of Prairie’s softball team this season is “Raise the level” and the Hawks’ senior class is ready to do just that.

Prairie lost just one senior off of last year's 10-18 team and this year’s group of seniors is excited for their final season.

“This year we have six seniors, which is not usual for us because we are normally the underdogs,” said senior Kaitlyn Baetsle.

Hawks Coach Kimi Hynek is looking to that large senior class to lead the way this season.

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Crist will play for Kirkwood

Cedar Rapids Prairie senior Shelby Crist has signed a letter-of-intent to play softball at Kirkwood Community College next season.

Crist, an outfielder, hit .331 with 17 stolen bases for the Hawks in 2010.

Kirkwood is currently ranked third in the country with a 31-7 record. Coach Joe Yegge led the Eagles to a 55-6 mark last season.