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Danielle Olson
Sarah Twidwell

Leatherneck Softball Backed by HOFer, Two Preseason Athletes to Watch

Jasmine Lara and Danielle Olson were named Summit League Preseason Athletes to Watch.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. -  When the Western Illinois softball team returns to action next week, it will be guided by WIU Athletic Hall of Famer Holly Van Vlymen and two Summit League Preseason Athletes to Watch.

Jasmine Lara and Danielle Olson were given the latter distinction on Thursday (Jan. 30). 

Jasmine Lara | OF | L/L | 5-3 | Sr. | Bettendorf, Iowa | Pleasant Valley

2019 Highlights: 2019 Second Team All-Summit League selection ...  started and hit in the leadoff spot all 40 games ... recorded a team-high 40 hits and 31 runs scored to go along with a .308 batting average.

Danielle Olson  | C/IF | R/R | 5-5 | So. | Naperville, Ill. | Neuqua High School

2019 Highlights: Team-high .324 batting average as a freshman ... 1 HR, 18 RBI in 26 games (22 starts) ... put together a 4-for-10 showing at the plate with eight RBI in a sweep over Omaha (May 4-5)  ... recorded 16 of her 18 RBI in Summit League play.

The preseason lists also saw Western tied for fifth in the coaches' poll while the reigning champions North Dakota State received six first-place votes, and are expected to repeat.

2020 Summit League Preseason Poll
Place Team (First-Place Votes) Points 2019 Record
1. North Dakota State (6) 34 42-16, 16-2 SL
2. South Dakota 28 37-18, 10-4 SL
3. South Dakota State (1) 27 33-28, 12-6 SL
4. North Dakota 22 22-34, 7-11 SL
5. Western Illinois 12 20-20, 12-6 SL
  Purdue Fort Wayne 12 10-39, 3-15 SL
7. Omaha 10 4-43, 2-16 SL
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