By Scott Vanscoy (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Beth Garrett-Jordan starts her second season has the head coach for the Pierce City Eagles. Last year’s squad had an 18-7 record and won the district title, 12-5 over Mt Vernon. They would fall 4-2 to eventual State 3rd place winner, Liberal, in the sectional game.
The Eagles lost four seniors to graduation, three of which were starters. The three starters earned several post-season accolades. Catcher Ali Raley was named first-team all-state – Utility/DP. Pitcher Ragan Blinzler was named the second-team all-state. Centerfielder Libbey Strickler was named second-team all-district, and made the honorable mention all-conference team.
But all is not lost for these Eagles as they return six starters from a district title winning team. Seniors Kate Zebert, Lexi Eck and Peighton Haddock, along with junior Donielle Brottland, will be asked to lead the young Eagles. Zebert, used mostly at DH last year, hit .292 and had 14 hits. Eck drove in 11 runs with 21 hits and a .356 average. Haddock will hold down first base for Pierce City this season. Brottland will be in control of second base and she will add a little pop to the lineup with her .258 average and 14 RBI’s.
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The two sophomore returning starters were both named honorable mention all-conference last season. Left fielder Jaclin Fenski (.327) and Leslie Jones (.298) each bring with them decent batting averages along with some speed.
Four of the starters stole over 10 bases each for Peirce City with Fenski leading them with 19 steals. Other base burglars were Jones (17), Brottland (13) and Eck with 11.
The senior players have chosen the quote “It’s hard to beat a person who never gives up” as their motivation for this season. Their expectations for the 2019 season are to push each other to be better.
“This will be a rebuilding year for us; we graduated many valuable leaders from our program,” said Coach Garrett-Jordan. “However, that being said, with hard work and determination we are hoping to build skills and confidence as the season progresses.”
Working on the fundamentals every day in practice and setting goals will be key for the young and inexperienced Eagles.
“We will work each day to reach goals that the players have set individually and as a team, while keeping the mentality of never giving up,” said Garrett-Jordan. “Throughout the season we hope to see great leadership from players that will set the tone for our program this season and into the future.”
