Page 266 - 1998.Millard.North

Playing first base, junior Ben Chesnut stretches to
catch a throw from an infielder. Communication
between infielders was important. photo by Annie SWINGING
Lorsbach
Senior Ron lvener pitches to an Omaha North batter.
lvener was th e winning pitcher in the Mustangs' 14-4 FOR THE
victory. photo by Annie Lorsbach

VICTORY

By Stephanee Finger

Experienced seniors with lots of Having players ranked in the top
talent helped the varsity baseball team ten throughout the season gave the team
have a winning season. At the end of an advantage. Lorsbach and Appuhn
regular season play, the team had four were both in the top ten for batting aver-
losses. age, RBI 's, and doubles.
"Our record isn 't too bad ; we 've Lorsbach agreed that hitting
only had a few losses, but it could be helped win games. However, he said that
better," senior Jason Appuhn said. the team was well-rounded, and excelled
Winning districts was one of the in not only one, but all areas of the game.
team's accomplishments. They beat "We are a pretty inconsistent team
Millard West 4-1 in the final game. Senior and our strengths· vary from game to
Mike Lorsbach hit a three-run homer, his game," Lorsbach said.
fifth of the season. The seniors experience also con-
One of the team's biggest wins tributed to the team's success. Taylor and
was against #1 ranked Lincoln Southeast Lorsbach each hit a homerun in the Omaha
8-2 . Other wins were overtop-rated Millard South game, when the Mustangs
South and Prep. Appuhn hit a grand slam outscored their opponent 12-1 for the win .
and had five RBI 's when the Mustangs Junior Dan Kopecky said that he
beat Millard South 18-12. enjoyed just being a part of the team and
Throughout the season, the team having fun .
played tight defense, but it was hitting that "I enjoyed getting the opportunity
took it to the next level. to play for one of the top-ten teams in the
"Hitting was a strength because state," he said.
we have a lot of strong seniors that have With the talent and work ethic it
played for awhile," senior Brett Taylor had , the team made it to the semifinals but
said . were shut out by Westside 0-5.

Senior Mike Lorsbach
drives the ball deep into
ri ght-center fie ld in the
Omaha North game.
Lorsbach went 5-5 hitting
the cycle. photo by Annie
Lorsbach

J unior Matt Koraleski practices hi s form on a tee at an
indoor practice. Working out inside gave the team a
chance to get some extra practi ce during the bad
weather. photo by Sandra Springer
After their victory over Omaha North, juniors Ri ck
Merrill and Pat Ri cketts shake hands with Omaha North
players. Ri cketts had four hits and scored four runs for
the Mustangs that game. photo by Annie Lorsbach