Varsity baseball travels to southwest Missouri, April 15, to face talented opponents Joplin and Willard. After a turbulent start, the Vikings have won three of four and are growing chemistry.

“We’ve had some team bonding, such as an NHL tournament that helped us connect and become closer,” senior outfielder Blake Shaiper said.

Shaiper has had a solid start to the season, with a .385 batting average and .467 on base percentage, featuring a 4-for-7 performance in a doubleheader against Oakville April 8.

“I have become more confident, and have stopped overthinking,” Shaiper said.

Senior right-handed pitcher Riley Shanahan will start on the mound against Joplin. Shanahan has been dominant so far, with a 2-0 win-loss record and 2.05 earned run average.

“I’ve been able to throw strikes for the most part, and my curveball is keeping hitters off balance,” Shanahan said.

The Vikings hope their first out-of-town contest will be a huge step forward in their pursuit to repeat as state champions.

“We just have to go in with the mindset that we won’t be denied two wins,” Shanahan said. “Those wins will give us confidence.”