Looking for a return trip to the state tournament, the Marion senior Babe Ruth team brings experience from last summer.
Advancing to the state tournament from district four, Marion fell to Hillsboro 12-5 in last year?s tournament opener and was eliminated by Abilene 11-1.
Marion went 2-1 in the district tournament, defeating Herington 20-4, the Salina Indians 8-5, then 16-6.
Tyler Mermis returns to coach Marion for the second summer season after coaching his first at Marion High School in the spring.
In Mermis?s first season at MHS, the Warriors finished 5-12, 5-9 in the MCAA.
Highlights from the season included two wins over Hills?boro. The first was a 6-5 victory in Hillsboro on April 9, the second a 13-8 win in Marion on May 7.
The Warriors? season ended with regional 11-2 loss to Hillsboro May 19 at Southeast of Saline.
This summer will be the last chance for several Marion seniors to return to state.
Seniors Wil Case, Colton Olsen, Adam Maag, and Marshall Raglund all return to the senior Babe Ruth team for their final seasons.
Case gives Marion solid hitting and good defense from third. He is also an effective closer.
Olsen brings a consistent bat as well as good infield defense at second.
Raglund brings experience to the mound.
Marion will be without Brian Freuchting, who is playing in Topeka and Issac Hett, who has decided not to play.
Marion opens its season Wednesday with a doubleheader against Inman. Game time is 6 p.m.
