Fall 2019 Preview: Ava Softball

By Amanda Perkins (For OzarksSportsZone.com)

Ava’s season ended in the Class 2 District 11 Championship game with a loss (16-12) to Willow Springs. The Lady Bears lost the eight seniors who led them to a 16-10 record, and a group of newcomers are challenged to continue Ava’s winning tradition.

“We have a lot of athleticism,” said Rex Sawyer, entering his 16th season as head coach. “The girls are eager and wanting to play. Other than two returning players, none have been in a starting position, so we will use that to our advantage.”

The two returning starters are Reagan Koop and Miquia Heinlein. Koop, now a senior, has started for two years in left field. A defensive specialist, she has a high game IQ and is a hard worker. Heinlein played outfield in her freshman season and moved to the plate last season. The junior is a skilled receiver and strong at bat.

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Sophomore Julia Henry played centerfield as a freshman and was a JV pitcher. She has worked on her game all summer and will now pitch for varsity.

Senior Makayla Miller was in and out of the lineup last season and will now compete for a starting position at shortstop. Classmate Quincy Kelly could take over at third base.

Macee Cutbirth, sophomore infielder, is a good hitter and will play infield. Sophomore Teagan Snow played first base for JV last year and now moves to the varsity position. Hailey Nelson rounds out the sophomore class, and the speedy outfielder will be an asset for her team.

“There are five to six freshmen coming in to put pressure on the older players, and I’m looking forward to that,” said Coach Sawyer.

Sawyer looks for fresh talent in the crew of froshes: Olivia Gastineau, Lexie Gastineau, Keeley Akers, Sarah Mendel, and Kaylee Stillings.

“We’ve always had a good program here,” he said. “We may take our lumps early on, but by mid-season we should kick it up and become competitive.”

The Lady Bears host Gainesville to open their season Sept. 3.