Polar Power

When we last left the North St. Paul softball team, the Polars had just won their second-ever state title after Kari Dorle singled home Molly Holder with the lone run of North's 1-0, 11 inning win over Chaska that clinched the Class AAA crown. "We knew it was a game in which we'd be playing for one run," coach Sean Hall said. "Kari came through for us." It was a thrilling victory for the Polars and one that capped off a 24-5 season for the state champs, who laid claim to that title for the first time since 1984. However, North St. Paul is hardly a stranger to the state tournament, as Hall's squad has traveled to Caswell Park on the windswept plains of North Mankato for the past four seasons — including a Class AAA runner-up appearance in 2004. "We've had a good group of athletes come through our program for some time now," said Hall, entering his sixth season at the helm. "We have a very strong feeder program and the girls put in a lot of time playing nearly year round. Most of all, they're good kids." The good news for North, as they look towards a fifth-straight state appearance in 2008 and possibly even a championship repeat, is that the team will once again feature a number of high-caliber competitors. "We do return a very strong core of players," Hall said. Leading the way for the Polars is Dorle, a junior who already has two All-State honors to her credit for her play behind the plate. Dorle's final, state title-winning hit was the 40th of her 2007 season as she finished second on the team with a .435 batting average. She also clubbed a team-high six home runs, three triples and two doubles last season en route to a .783 slugging percentage, while also leading the Polars with 30 runs batted in. "Kari is a tremendous player and person," Hall said. Accompanying Dorle is fellow 2007 All-Tournament team member, outfielder Kimmie Linda. The Polars' left flank was third on the squad with a .361 batting average and scored a team-best 23 runs. Linda is one of the team's three co-captains, joining Holder and Ann Kliethermes. Holder, an infielder, batted .367 last season while earning a team-high seven walks — converting some of those into a Polars-best seven stolen bases. Kliethermes, an outfielder, stole four bases during the 2007 campaign. They join a flexible retuning cast that also boasts Logan Crotty (5 steals) and Brittni Bayers (.304 average). "Offensively, we should be even better this season," Hall said. "Defensively, we should be at the same high level." Also returning for the Polars are assistant coach Tom Nemo and junior varsity coach Joe Pinotti. Nemo, a former head coach at Tartan, came aboard last season. His experience was invaluable to the team, according to Hall. "He's been a great addition to the team — one of the reasons we won last year," Hall said. "He's like having another head coach and really helps keep the girls motivated." Pinotti will once again be charged with the duty of keeping the next generation of Polar greats at the ready. "Joe always does a great job," Hall said. "He's been a very valuable part of our program here." One All-State Tournament player the Polars will have to do without is pitcher Nicole Kelley, who graduated amidst her team's state excitement last June. Kelley's loss will be felt both on the rubber (18-3 record, 196 strikeouts, .879 earned run average), at the plate (team-high .451 batting average, three home runs) and in the dugout. "Nicole was such a leader, such a gamer," Hall said. "There were times when she willed us to victory — there is no doubt she will be missed." However, if anyone looks primed to step into Kelley's shoes, it's senior Brittany Kretsch. As Kelley's understudy last season, Kretsch posted a .368 ERA in 57 innings pitched, tallying a 6-1 record with 47 strikeouts. Of her six starts, four were complete-game shutouts. "Brittany had a great line last year and we are expecting her to be our starter this season," Hall said. How this season plays out remains to be seen and Hall, for one, is neither ready nor willing to make any predictions about another trip to the top Class AAA bracket. "Before we even think about going back to state, we have to concern ourselves with winning both our conference and the section," he said. "State is always the ultimate goal, but I don't think a lot of people realize how hard it is to get there." While the Classic Suburban Conference remains unchanged, Section 4AAA got a reshuffling by the Minnesota State High School League in the offseason. The grouping now includes Classic contenders Hill-Murray and Tartan, along with Suburban East Conference power Woodbury, whom the Polars defeated in the opening round of last year's state bracket. "It's a very tough section this season," Hall said. "We will have to give 100 percent each time out there if we want to make it back to state. "We've been very fortunate to get to state for the past four years. It's something that you can never take granted."