Lembke’s lighting up BP diamond

Cousins Layla and Macy Lembke have been on fire to start the 2023 softball season for Blooming Prairie, but for fans in town, it hardly comes as a surprise.

The two have played softball for the majority of their life, and while their journeys to becoming upperclassmen leaders for Blooming Prairie’s squad have different stories, they are hitting their stride together at the right time.

“Having Macy there with me when we started playing the sport made me feel more comfortable. We definitely have a connection on the field, and I think it helps our team out because our bond has helped strengthen the bonds of all of our teammates,” said Layla Lembke.

Both athletes have earned their way into playing critical positions for the Awesome Blossoms in the field, with Layla starting at catcher and Macy taking up her usual spot at shortstop.

As could be expected from athletes who pay such key roles, there is pressure involved in every game.

However, pressure is something the two stopped being afraid of long ago.

“Honestly, it’s really cool being able to be in that position. I’ve learned a lot from my coaches in volleyball, basketball and softball. I think them trusting me to put me in those spots has only helped me grow as a player and as a leader,” said Lembke.

While Blooming Prairie’s defense has shined so far in 2023, equally impressive has been the team’s ability to score runs.

Both Lembke’s have been instrumental in the team’s success in doing just that, with Macy even holding a four-game hitting streak to begin the season.

As it stands, the two have contributed 11 hits, 12 runs and seven RBIs through the team’s first four games and accounted for 19 of Blooming Prairie’s 36 total runs.

According to the two, this year’s squad felt it knew it had the potential to be a breakout team in the conference, and after a 1-0 opening-day loss to Waseca, the team came together to make a change.

“Our team goal is obviously to make it as far as we can in the playoffs. We have a really tough section, but I think that we can compete this year. We also really want to compete for the conference,” said Macy Lembke.

Even though it is still early in the season, the team’s goals do not look far-fetched at the moment.

Blooming Prairie has started out 3-1 overall with a perfect 3-0 conference record, putting the Awesome Blossoms in first place in the Gopher Conference.

Fans' next opportunity to watch the Lembke cousins play will be in a road game against Maple River on Thursday, April 20 at 4:30 p.m.