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Fall 2017 Preview: Marshfield Softball

By Matt Turer – mturer@ky3.com
@MattTurer

With at least 15 wins in four of seven seasons since 2010, Marshfield softball has been a pretty consistent program of late. But back-to-back sub-.500 seasons in 2015 (11-15) and 2016 (10-14) have the Lady Jays a little hungry heading into 2017.

“[We’re] looking to turn things around,” head coach Jessica Gorham said.

To do that, Marshfield needs to get past the graduation of five seniors, including first-team all-district selection Shelby Choate, who led the team in home runs (5), RBIs (26) and batting (.416). But despite that, Marshfield returns six starters, including the team’s lone senior, Zoe Bisby (SS).

“We’ll look to Bisby to be a big run producer for us,” Gorham said. “She’s got some pop in her bat and she runs well and has good instincts on the bases. Her teammates respect her and will look to her for leadership.”

Bisby hit .414 with four homers and 27 runs in 2016.

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Izzy Harrison (3B) and Courtney Duncan (CF) are two players expected to fill some of the gaps left by the outgoing senior class.

“We have a talented group of juniors who’ve gained valuable varsity experience of the past two years and who I think will step up and fill the gaps for us this season,” Gorham said.

Harrison (all-district selection) hit .383 with 17 RBIs last year. Duncan (all-conference selection) hit .313 with 14 runs and led the team in fielding percentage (.939), making just three errors.

“Harrison will help tighten up the defense on the left side of the infield, will hit for power and should be a huge impact at the plate. Duncan will cover a lot of ground in the outfield and be a threat on the basepaths.”

Marshfield’s other senior, Katie French, is out for the season after undergoing knee surgery last year.

Junior catcher Haleigh Clift will start full-time this year.

Sophomore pitcher Blayke Taylor returns to the mound after starting as a freshman. She was 9-10 with a 4.80 ERA in 2016, striking out 37 in 113 innings.

“She’s gained some speed and added a few more pitches to her arsenal,” Gorham said. “Most importantly, she has a year of high school experience under her belt now.”