Many times when athletes move up to the varsity level, there is a period of adjustment that needs to take place before that player can have success.

In the case of Mid-Prairie eighth grader Rylee Vercande, the adjustment will have to come from the pitchers and defenders around the River Valley Conference who are tasked with getting her out. Vercande wrapped up her first year for the Hawks with a team leading .408 average, 10th best in the River Valley Conference. Her .553 slugging percentage was ninth in the RVC and best among all eighth graders. Her 42 hits were 10th most in the conference and best among eighth graders. Her two home runs tied her for third in the league. Mid-Prairie finished the season with a 4-29 overall record.