McQueen Lancers Softball and Baseball Season Preview

McQueen Lancers Softball

Head Coach: Andrea Martensen, 8^th Season as Varsity HC at McQueen

Previous Season Record: 18-15 overall, 9-7 league

Overview: The McQueen Lancers softball team enters the 2025-26 season with a strong returning core and optimism for the spring ahead. Seven players return from last year’s roster, including two pitchers who will provide stability in the circle. With experience back in key spots, the team is focused on building chemistry early and developing the consistency needed to compete throughout the season.

Offensively, the lineup will be led by a trio of playmakers capable of producing runs in multiple ways. The Lancers include Northern Nevada’s Offensive Player of The Year, Senior Vanessa Bein, from two seasons ago, bringing proven production and leadership to the middle of the order. Their ability to generate offense and set the tone at the plate will be key as the team looks to create scoring opportunities.

Defensively, the focus will be on showing up consistently and limiting errors in the field. By making routine plays and supporting the pitching staff, the Lancers hop to stay in games and build confidence as the season progresses. With experienced returners and a commitment to steady improvement, the Lancers are aiming to put together a competitive and balanced season.

What can we expect from your team this season?

Offense – McQueen has seven returning players from last year, so experience at the plate.

Defense – Some new players stepping into defensive roles on the field.

Pitching – Returning two pitchers from last season, so we have some experience in the circle.

Returners for the 2026 season – 7, including pitchers and positional players.

What is the key to your team’s success this season? Showing up consistently, limit the errors on the field and pitching.

Who do you feel are the teams to beat in the North? Spanish Springs, Bishop Manogue.

Players to watch:

Senior Vanessa Bein, Catcher – Bein was named Northern Nevada’s Offensive Player of the Year as a Sophomore and last year she batted .477 with 52 hits, Five HRs and 33 RBIs. I’d expect her to go out swinging her Senior year. She’s a Top Ten Player in Northern Nevada.

Junior Violet Moyao, Pitcher – Moyao collected 10 wins in the circle last year while also ringing up 87 strikeouts for The Lancers. At the plate she was responsible for 31 hits and 29 RBIs, oftentimes helping her own cause.

Sophomore Chloe Jaborski, Pitcher/SS – As a freshman Jaborski was responsible for five victories and 34 strikeouts in the circle. She also got it done at the plate to the tune of a .341 batting average and 31 hits.

League Schedule:

2/26 vs. Galena

3/3 at Spanish Springs

3/5 vs. Spanish Springs

3/7 at Douglas

3/10 vs. Douglas

3/12 vs. Damonte Ranch

3/14 at Damonte Ranch

3/17 vs. Reed

3/31 at Reed

4/7 at Carson

4/11 vs. Carson

4/14 at North Valleys

4/16 vs. North Valleys

4/18 vs. Galena

4/21 at Galena

4/25 at Bishop Manogue

4/28 vs. Bishop Manogue

4/30 vs. Reno

5/5 at Reno

McQueen Lancers Baseball

Head Coach: Brian Nelson, 18^th Season as Varsity HC at McQueen HS

Previous Season Record: 15-16-1 overall, 9-7 league

Overview: The McQueen Lancers baseball team enters the 2025-26 season focused on competing from the first pitch to the final out. Emphasis throughout the preseason has been building a strong team culture, playing with energy, and being good teammates both on and off the field. The coaching staff believes that approach will help the Lancers stay competitive in every game this spring.

Offensively, the Lancers plan to rely on a small ball approach to create scoring opportunities. By focusing on moving runners, executing situational hitting, and putting pressure on opposing defenses, the Lancers lineup hopes to manufacture runs and take advantage of key moments throughout the game.

Defensively, the Lancers emphasis will be on pounding the strike zone from the mound and making plays behind the pitchers. By limiting walks and playing solid, fundamental defense, the team hopes to control the pace of games and give themselves the best chance to compete all season long.

What can we expect from your team this season?

Offense – We have been accustomed to playing small ball. We take a lot of pride in moving runners and eventually driving them in.

Defense – We want to pound the strike zone and allow our defense to make plays behind our pitchers.

Pitching – We want to work fast and efficiently. Strike one is a great pitch for us.

Returning starters for the 2026 season – 5, including pitchers and positional players.

What is the key to your team’s success this season? We take a ton of pride in our belief of competing for all 42 outs. That won't change this year. We love picking up each other and being great teammates.

Who do you feel are the teams to beat in the North? Reno and Manogue have proven for years to be at the top. Coach Savage and Coach Oppio do an outstanding job with their players. I would also expect Reed and Spanish Springs to be well rounded.

Players to watch:

Senior Brooks Porter, P/OF – Porter is a mountain of a man and has strength for days. He has an elite combination of size, speed and production. A two-sport standout he has all the measurables to be a next level player. He just has to choose if that’ll be on the diamond or the gridiron. He’s a legit Player of The Year candidate in Baseball this season. Don’t be surprised if he has big time numbers this spring.

Senior Ky Dimond, IF/P – Dimond was identified by Coach Nelson as one of The Lancers offensive players to keep an eye on for this season. He’ll also make some appearances on the bump for The Lancers this spring.

Senior Konnor Mejia, OF/P – Mejia was also identified by Nellie as a player to watch for The Lancers this spring.

Newcomers you are excited about: We have some youth that we are very excited about. Zach Rowe, AJ Spevak, Scotty Park-Li, Jason Furumoto, Jaxon McCann and Issac Lindstedt are a small group of new players [we are excited about].

League Schedule:

3/4 vs. Galena

3/12 at Douglas

3/14 at Spanish Springs

3/17 at Galena

3/19 vs. Reed

3/31 vs. North Valleys

4/2 at Bishop Manogue

4/4 vs. Reno

4/7 vs. Carson

4/9 at Damonte Ranch

4/11 vs. Douglas

4/14 vs. Spanish Springs

4/16 vs. Galena

4/18 at Reed

4/21 at North Valleys

4/23 vs. Bishop Manogue

4/25 at Reno

4/28 at Carson

4/29 vs. Damonte Ranch