Softball season officially starts

The 2019 high school softball season is underway.

The first day of practice officially allowed by the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union was Monday.

Washington High School head coach Ben Oberman had his team on the Demons' field practicing.

Oberman has the defending Southeast Conference co-champions and they are eager to defend that title as the lone champion. Washington and Keokuk were both 10-6 in the SEC last year.

Washington had the highest team batting average in the SEC last season, led by Kellie Dallmeyer, who batted .442 with a .558 on-base percentage and a .673 slugging percentage that included 12 doubles, a triple, four home runs and 23 runs batted in. Dallmeyer is a sophomore this year.

While the first day of practice was Monday, the Demons have put in a lot of off-season time in preparation for the season, which begins May 20 at home versus Anamosa. Anamosa was 13-17 last season. Washington was 17-22. The two teams kicked off last season at Anamosa with the Blue Raiders winning 10-9 and 7-3.

The Demons have been preparing for this season and even played a scrimmage April 9 against Iowa City High School.

'As coaches, we can't have any contact with the kids in terms of coaching until practice begins, so the spring is a chance for these girls to get an opportunity to play and be moved around to different positions, to see where they may best fit once the season begins,” Oberman said. 'Scrimmaging good competition, such as a 5A state qualifier in City High, prepares our girls greatly for the season, as we want to see quality teams, as softball in our area is some of the best in the entire state. As just an observer at (that) time, it's great to watch the girls have a desire to get out and play in April. It shows they're dedicated to becoming the best team and individuals possible.”