By Derek Shore
Head Coach: Tony Eagleburger
2015-16 Record: 22-4 W-L (2nd to Purdy in Ozark 7 play with 5-2 record) – Lost to Purdy in Class 1, District 10 Championship Game
Top Players: Maggie Robbins (P), Taylor Swindle (INF), Emily Snyder (C), Kaitlyn Bernard (UTIL/C), and Sydney Delossantos (CF)
The Southwest softball program put together arguably its best season (in terms of wins and losses) in school history last season and have the returning pieces in play to be potent once again this spring.
In 2015-16, the Lady Trojans went 22-4, capturing three tournament titles before their impressive season was cut short by intradivision rival Purdy, losing in the district final by a score of 6-1.
Southwest was also hit hard by graduations, losing four key starters in shortstop Jaime Shrum (all-conf. hon. mention), second baseman Shasta Sanders (all-conf. hon. mention), right fielder Vanessa Glaze (all-conf. hon. mention), and left fielder Holly Crow.
That said,a familiar face will lead the program again in Tony Eagleburger, returning after a two-year health-related hiatus before spending the previous six years at the helm.
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For this spring, Eagleburger welcomes back five starters, including primary pitcher Maggie Robbins. Robbins, a sophomore, compiled a 21-4 record with an unofficial ERA below 1.00 and 294 strikeouts last season. She was second team all-region and first team all-conference
“Returning a 21-win pitcher is a nice perk,” Eagleburger said.
Eagleburger likes her attitude, drive, and work ethic in the circle, hoping she’ll avoid the proverbial “sophomore slump.”
At the plate, the Lady Trojans regain another all-conference performer in junior infielder Taylor Swindle. Swindle drove in a team-high 30 runs batted in last spring.
“We also return our leading run producer in Taylor,” Eagleburger said. “I would like to see her take her game – both offensively and defensively – to the next level.”
To round out the returning core, senior Sydney Delossantos and juniors Emily Snyder and Kaitlyn Bernard.
Delossantos started varsity in center field as a freshman for Eagleburger, and he said she’s driven to have more success this season. Snyder, returning to handle catching duties, was vital for Robbins pitching success, and her coach thinks with her work ethic, and drive will propel to a monster season. Bernard is a versatile player, who can relieve Snyder behind the dish.
Eagleburger listed six newcomers this spring, including seniors Jerica Lawrence (INF/OF/P) and Kendra Hayworth (OF/INF) as well as juniors Caity Blevins (OF) and Alyssa Walker (OF/INF). In addition, sophomores Heather Windes (INF/P) and Lacey Reeves (INF/OF) to boot.
Lawrence will be in the mix for a varsity job, per her coach. Hayworth, who missed all of last season with a knee injury, is expected to a win a varsity spot whether it’s in the outfield and infield.
As far the underclassmen, Eagleburger was impressed by Windes over this past summer, saying it could vault her to the top of the shortstop depth chart and expects her to turn heads this spring. Reeves, a player with a great attitude and work ethic, will vie for varsity time either in the infield or outfield as well.
“We were hit pretty hard by graduation – both offensively and defensively,” Eagleburger said. “At this point, only time will tell which one will be the hardest to replace. We should know that question sometime in late March. We should have some competition for some varsity time at three or maybe more positions. Competition for starting spots should be good for us, especially in the outfield.
“I’m excited about the upcoming season. If we can improve our short game, this team could have an even better season than last spring.”
Southwest softball will open the season at home against Diamond on Friday, Mar., 17.
