By Dana Harding (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
As Rolla head coach Jessica Zink enters her second season at the helm of the softball program, things continue to trend positive.
While the Lady Bulldogs finished the 2018 season with a 9-14 record — falling to Camdenton in the district semifinal — the win total was the school’s highest since 2013 and a big improvement over a three-win campaign in 2017.
Graduates Chloe Wood and Cheyanne King depart the program, leaving Zink with a host of returning talent.
“The Lady Bulldogs are improving every day and hungry for a successful fall season,” Zink said. “We will have everyone back this year after graduating two seniors, showing tremendous growth from the season before last, and we will continue climbing the ladder to success.”
Rolla will be led by a pair of seniors in Emalee Grooms and Lauren Moersch.
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Reagan Reedy, Keira Chrisco, Jordan Watkins and Makenzie McCarter also return for the Lady Bulldogs.
Zink believes the limited turnover will give her roster additional depth and talent as the season approaches.
“Multiple varsity starters return as we are a young group,” Zink said. “Returning juniors, sophomores and adding the incoming freshman class will allow us to have great depth this fall.”
Depth will also pay dividends in the circle, as Rolla returns its entire pitching staff of Watkins, Moersch and McCarter.
With her offseason program showing continued signs of success, Zink hopes to see results translated on the field this fall.
Our team utilized the off-season to improve and polish their game, along with enhancing team cohesiveness,” Zink said. “Proud of the hard work and dedication shown by each Lady Bulldog.”
Rolla opens its season at home against Helias Sep. 4.
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