Team members for the Webster City softball team in 2025 are, front row (left to right): Hailey Brim, Alivia Burns, Morgan Hackbarth, Cloe Savitski, Breanna Bahrenfuss, Lydia VanDeer, Ellie Peterson, Jakaela Cherry, Morgan Tempel and Jaylyn Bahrenfuss. Back: Izzy Weinschenk, Amanda Lahr, Briley VanDeer, Evie Davis, Josslyn Carden, Kenley Koop, Hayden McCoy, Haydin Sealine and Megan VanDeer. (DFJ Photo by David Borer)

The Webster City softball team may have a new face in the circle, but the Lynx still possess same drive to succeed.

Webster City, which has won at least 17 games in each of the last four seasons, and will look to continue that streak with a mix of talent in 2025.

Junior Jakaela Cherry will take over the pitching reins, as all-stater Delainey Bargfrede graduated. Bargfrede is now pitching for Western Kentucky University.

Bargfrede had a stellar career for the Lynx, winning 60 games, striking out 732 batters — including 643 in the last three years combined — and helping lead the Lynx to a record of 47-7 in the North Central Conference, with league titles in 2021 and 2022.

In the past two seasons as the second pitcher in line, Cherry saw action in 17 games and struck out 72 batters.

“Jakaela has gotten a lot stronger, putting time in the weight room,” said Webster City head coach Brad VanDeer. “She is very dedicated and has improved her endurance.

“Her overall leadership will be key for this team.”

Freshman Briley VanDeer will be the second pitcher for the Lynx.

“Briley has put in a lot of time as well,” VanDeer said. “She has a good pitcher in front of her. She is young and hasn’t been in big moments yet.”

Coach VanDeer will lean on returning seniors Cloe Savitski, Lydia VanDeer and Breanna Bahrenfuss, alongside seven juniors.

“We are going to be gritty,” VanDeer said. “They’re not going to be phased by anything thrown at them.

“So far, they’ve shown a lot of toughness.”

Sitting behind the plate again for the Lynx will be Savitski. The senior hit .232 last year and returns as the team’s stolen base leader with 17.

“Cloe has been doing the catching for a long time,” VanDeer said. “Having her back there with a new pitcher is a huge advantage. She is a great leader and commands the field.”

Junior Morgan Hackbarth will be the backup catcher and play first base, along with Briley VanDeer. Hackbarth drove in six runs last summer.

“Morgan is really solid and would be a starting catcher on any other team,” VanDeer said.

Junior Hailey Brim will be at second base. Brim hit .250 a year ago.

Freshman Jaylyn Bahrenfuss will take the reins at shortstop for graduating senior Ava Pederson. Last season, Pederson drove in 24 runs and hit .354.

“Jaylyn is very athletic and has a strong arm,” VanDeer said. “She is natural to the ball and she is ready to grow into the leadership role.”

Jaylyn’s sister, Breanna Bahrenfuss, is at third base. She drove in 10 runs for the Lynx a year ago.

The new look for Webster City will come in the outfield. Lydia VanDeer will be in left field.

“She can command the outfield and do some work,” VanDeer said. “She did some work and developed some outfield skills. She’s very coachable.”

Center field will be taken over by junior Alivia Burns.

“Alivia could have played last year,” VanDeer said. “She is capable of playing her role.”

Junior Ellie Peterson is set to take over in right field. Peterson played junior varsity last season.

Also vying for outfield spots will be freshman Izzy Weinschenk and junior Kenley Koop.

VanDeer has seen an improvement in the batter’s box from the program after struggling the last couple of years. Webster City hit .262 as a team and drove in 114 runs with 196 hits.

“We worked hard in the offseason and we have been hitting the ball,” VanDeer said. “We struggled the last couple of years (consistently producing runs.

“We’ve done a lot of work on our strength in the weight room. It’s been huge for us and it helps us hit with better power.”

VanDeer sees two-time defending NCC champion St. Edmond as the front runner again this season.

“Everyone will be chasing St. Edmond,” VanDeer said. “They have a stacked lineup and good pitching.

“Algona has taken another step forward and they’ve put the time and effort in. Clear Lake was young last season, but has good power and pitching. It’s going to be a battle at the top half.

“I will put us up there with anybody.”

VanDeer will be assisted by Chelsey Wagoner, Kaitlyn Seeley, Kenric Weinschenk.

2025 WEBSTER CITY SCHEDULE

May 27 — vs. North Polk, 7 p.m.; 30 — at Clarion-Goldfield/Dows.

June 2 — at Humboldt, 7:30 p.m.; 3 — at Storm Lake, 6:45 p.m.; 4 — vs. Clear Lake, 7:30 p.m.; 6 — at St. Edmond, 7:30 p.m.; 7 — at Perry tournament; 9 — vs. Algona, 7:30 p.m.; 11 — at Hampton-Dumont-CAL, 7:30 p.m.; 12 — at Iowa Falls-Alden, 7:30 p.m.; 14 — Dave Hilton Invitational, 9 a.m.; 16 — vs. Humboldt, 7:30 p.m.; 18 — vs. Clarion-Goldfield-Dows, 7:30 p.m.; 19 — vs. Pocahontas Area, 7:30 p.m.; 23 — at Clear Lake, 7:30 p.m.; 25 — vs. St. Edmond, 7:30 p.m.; 27 — at Algona, 7:30 p.m.; 28 — at Roland-Story tournament, 10:30 a.m.

July 2 — vs. Iowa Falls-Alden, 7:30 p.m.; 3 — at Eagle Grove, 6 p.m.; 7 — at Southeast Valley, 7 p.m.