Apr. 11—MADISON — The Lac qui Parle Valley baseball team earned its second state berth in program history in 2024.
And, although the Eagles lost major contributors from last season's state tournament team, LQPV hopes to remain competitive with the core it brings back following a year where the Eagles were 8-3 in the Camden Conference and 18-8 overall.
LQPV, which was 12-5 in the regular season, went 6-1 in the Section 3A tournament to advance to state for the first time since 2012. The Eagles were 0-2 at the Class A state tourney in '24.
"The team lost significant experience from last year's state tournament squad, but we're confident in our returning arms and the additions of players who saw limited varsity action," LQPV third-year head coach Darby Bjorgan said. "We believe our team speed and pitching remain strengths and we're focused on improving our batting from last season."
Back for the Eagles is All-Area Second Team member Davis Patzer, a 6-foot senior outfielder/pitcher. He hit .315 with a .389 slugging percentage and a .397 on-base percentage while securing a 4-0 record with a 2.13 ERA and 27 strikeouts in 23 innings on the mound.
Brock Bjornjeld returns as another key piece for LQPV. The 2024 All-Area Honorable Mention pitcher had a 5-2 record with a 1.85 ERA and 57 strikeouts in 45-1/3 innings pitched.
Seniors Dylan Keimig (P/INF) and Landon Weber (C) are also back for the Eagles. Keimig saw the most at-bats of any player in 2024, batting .197 with a .406 on-base percentage. Weber hit .211 with a .343 on-base percentage.
More players to watch for, according to Bjorgan, are: seniors Matt Arndt (P/OF), Tygan Allpress (INF/OF), Tyler Erp (P/OF/INF), Baxter Kallhoff (P/OF) and Brendan Shurb (P/OF); and juniors Malcolm Lillejord (OF), Brand Schommer (C/OF/INF) and Nolan Smith (P/INF).
"Our boys are excited to defend the section title, but understand the challenge ahead with many strong teams in the mix," Bjorgan said.
Bjorgan's assistants for the new year are Braiden Kittelson, Josh Benson and Mark Bjornjeld.
