Hutchinson CC Sports Information

The Hutchinson Community College softball team was finished to finish second in the 2024 Jayhawk Conference Division I preseason coaches' poll on Thursday.

The Blue Dragons come off their best season in program history after a 44-8 campaign – the 44 wins are a single-season program record – in 2023 that saw Hutchinson win its first conference title since 1992. The Blue Dragons advanced to the Region VI Tournament championship game.

Blue Dragon head coach Jaime Rose starts her 20th season at Hutchinson this season. She has a record of 571-348 with the Blue Dragons and 609-402 in 21 total seasons coaching.

The Blue Dragons return 11 total players from last season's Jayhawk championship team.

Third baseman Olivia Sandoval is the only returning starting infielder. Catcher Alexis Mastin and designated player Jaeleigh Darnell are also back for the Blue Dragons. Korri Lies and Preslee Irwin return in the outfield. First baseman Annie Kealey, who played only two games last season, also returns as does pinch-runner/outfielder Tamara Lozoya.

Lies and Delaney Blakesley return in the pitching circle for the Blue Dragons.

Butler was the preseason pick to win the KJCCC in 2024, then came Hutchinson and Colby. Barton is fourth, followed by Seward County, Dodge City, Garden City, Pratt and Northwest Tech.

The Blue Dragons are scheduled to open 2024 on Saturday, January 27 against the Ottawa University junior varsity at Fun Valley. The Dragons then play eight straight on the road before opening conference play on Thursday, February 22 against the Colby Trojans at Fun Valley.