The high school softball season is underway in Iowa and scoring could be up this year because of some rules changes. Oelwein coach Matt Kuempel says the first change deals with the pitching distance. Keumpel says the pitching rubber was moved back 3 feet, which he says gives the hitter more time to react, it gives defenders more area to cover, and gives the runners more time to run when stealing bases.

The new designated player/flex player rule will allow coaches to insert designated hitters into the starting lineup. The rule allows more substitutions and more kids to play, which he says will help teams offensively.

By Elwin Huffman KOEL Oelwein