South Dakota head softball coach Robert Wagner and his Coyotes are wrapping up fall ball and continue preparing for the start of their 2021 season. We will spend some time this week and next with coach Wagner to learn more about his position groups before the squad hits winter workouts. We continue the series by going around the horn in the infield.
 
Returning Starters
Lauren Eamiguel, Sr., Mesa, Ariz.
Lauren Wobken, Sr., Scribner, Neb.
Dylan Underwood, Sr., Henderson, Nev.
Jadyn DeWitte, Jr., Spring, Texas
Aleesia Sainz, So., Casa Grande, Ariz.
 
Newcomer
Gabby Moser, Fr., Central City, Neb.
 
The Coyotes had just two seniors on their roster a year ago and neither were in the infield. That means three-year starters on the left side Lauren Eamiguel and Lauren Wobken, both all-Summit performers, are back. On the right side, Jadyn DeWitte was the starter at first base while Dylan Underwood and Aleesia Sainz rotated at second.
 
But this newest class of Coyotes includes Gabby Moser, a three-time all-state performer at Central City High School in Nebraska, and the fall season has done nothing to dim her prospects of contributing sooner rather than later. The question is where does she fit?
 
If fall practices are any indication, it would seem third base is a strong consideration. Wobken has handled the hot corner admirably throughout her career and it's her versatility that helped offer that opportunity. Those same skill sets can play just as well on the right side if necessary says Wagner.
 
"Lauren brings a lot of skills to our infield," said Wagner. "I think she's a little bit more suited to play the right side and I think she's excited for that challenge. I also think she's the type of player that whatever benefits the team will also benefit her."
 
To be clear, nothing is set in stone as of November. In this time of COVID, there is a renewed focus on building depth at all positions and preparing for all possibilities. And it's the flexibility this group provides and the addition of Moser that makes this a strong unit.
 
"LT (Eamiguel) has held down the shortstop position for a long time," said Wagner. "But Aleesia played all four positions at some point last year as a freshman, and Dylan, who I know we will discuss more in the utility group, has played every infield position except first. You have to have multiple skill sets to play this game, and this group provides those."
 
Perhaps a more obvious answer to who is listed first on the lineup card is who can emerge offensively. Eamiguel's consistency in the box is why she's been the Summit's first-team shortstop every season. Her career .344 average ranks ninth on the Coyotes' all-time list and 100 career runs and 100 career RBIs are within reach. There's lots of reasons to think Moser can boost the team's slugging percentage moving forward. It also stands to reason that everyone will get an opportunity to make their case.
 
"Offense and defense when it comes to the infield are equally important," said Wagner. "We aren't a team that's going to strike out 14 batters a game so we need players to make all of the routine plays and maybe once in a while, mix in a great play. You also have to be able to hit and help us produce runs. Jordyn Pender was our top hitter last year so we've added reps at first base for her as well.
 
"I like our mix of experience and younger players and I think it's a strong group. I'm not sure we've found the exact right combo yet, and there's a lot to be determined, but I like where we're headed."