By Matt Turer — @MattTurer (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
HEAD COACH: Chris Sanders
2017 RECORD: 22-1 (7-0 Kaysinger)
2017 POSTSEASON: STATE SEMIS: Lost 3-0 to Purdy
RETURNING PLAYERS: 2B Sidney Johnson (Sr.), OF Alexis Hyde (Sr.), OF TJ Henderson (Sr.), UTIL Megan Fish (Sr.), P/1B Aleah Paxton (Jr.), SS Genesis Smith (Jr.), UTIL Lindsey Koll (Jr.), UTIL Brooke Young (Jr.), C Haley Mackey (Soph.), OF Chloe Reese (Soph.), OF Kristin Worthley (Soph.)
Lincoln graduated one of the best pitchers in the state from a team that rode that arm to an undefeated record and a spring softball Final Four berth for the first time in program history.
That pitcher was Sloan Swearngin, and she was a force on the mound (21-1, 118.0 IP, 222 K, 0.66 ERA, 0.65 WHIP) and at the plate (.567 AVG, 6 2B, 6 3B, 1 HR, 33 R, 44 RBI, 1.489 OPS).
With her absence, some might expect Lincoln—which lost to Purdy 3-0 in last year’s state semifinals before beating Kennett 8-6 in the third-place game—to take a step back. First year head coach Chris Sanders doesn’t see it that way.
“We as coaches and the players have one goal and that is to make it back to the Final 4 this year,” Sanders said.
And why not?
Lincoln has established itself over the past few years as a dominant Class 1 athletic force in the northern regions of southwest Missouri, running through the Kaysinger Conference in nearly all sports.
“The success the softball program had last year finally showed all the hard work the girls have put into the last couple of years,” Sanders said. “With all the success of the boys sports programs the past couple of years, it was great to finally see the girls get their recognition.”
Sanders believes that hard work will continue to pay dividends in 2018 with Lincoln returning a large contingent from last year’s historic group that entered the Final Four at 21-0 and lost just 3-0 to state-runner-up Purdy in the semifinals.
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Lincoln hit .479 as a team last season and showed they can put up runs at the state level with that 8-6 third-place game win over Kennett.
Swearngin led the Cardinals in average but sophomore Haley Mackey (.564 AVG., 1.304 OPS, 33 RBI) and junior Aleah Paxton (.523 AVG., 1.425 OPS, 14 XBH, 30 RBI) were also both well above the .500 mark.
“Mackey is our anchor behind the plate,” Sanders said. “She was the starting catcher as a freshman last year. She shows great game knowledge beyond her age, and as well as being a great catcher she is one of our best hitters. The ball explodes off her bat. We are expecting great offensive stats this year from her.”
Paxton and Sidney Johnson (.333 AVG.) have been pegged by Sanders as captains for 2018.
“Sidney is a great leader on the volleyball court and is expected to assume that role on the field as well. She is a great leader and teammate,” Sanders said.
“Aleah is a fearless competitor and will also be a great leader. She swings the bat very well and should have continued success at the plate.”
Paxton is also primed to step into Swearngin’s old role as Lincoln’s ace.
“She has been patiently awaiting her turn,” Sanders said. “She shows great presence and leadership. She would of probably been a starting pitcher on any other team in our area last year. She has worked really hard for her chance and I think it will show this year.”
Genesis Smith (.492 AVG., 41 R, 1.254 OPS), Lindsey Koll (.348 AVG.) and Brooke Young (.364 AVG.) are three more returners that saw significant playing time in 2017.
“Smith is a great hitter with a good glove,” Sanders said. “She is expected to also do great things on the basepaths with her good speed.”
Freshman Cayden Paxton (Aleah’s sister) will also see some time on the mound.
Lincoln’s freshman class beyond Paxton are also expected to see varsity time: Jordan Young (C/OF), Haley Ebeling (3B/1B), Callie Spunaugle (UTIL), Alexis Harms (UTIL)
