MSHSAA announced on Monday, Mar. 16 that they would not be cancelling spring sports due to the Coronavirus. There will be delays to the start of the season and you can read the full MSHSAA release on spring sports by clicking here. Many area schools have called off classes and extracurricular activities through at least Apr. 3 and will reassess at that time. We will continue to post our spring previews. Please note that this preview was written before delays for the spring season were announced.
By Tyler Thompson (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
The Fair Grove Lady Eagles softball team is looking to write a new narrative this season.
After tailoring a 5-17 record last year, the Eagles are looking to soar higher in a Mid-Lakes Conference that is loaded with talent (Clever, Strafford, Forsyth, Skyline and Stockton).
Head coach Tara Whetzell enters her fourth season at the helm for the Eagles.
As for the outlook for this season, staying true to the program’s values is of the utmost importance, Whetzell said.
“Our outlook and preparation for this year is to continue building the culture of our program,” she said. “When I mention culture, I mean the coaching staff investing even more in our players, our players investing more into each other and our program, and the dedication of showing up and putting in work for one another.”
The team only lost two seniors: Ryah Icenhower and Tristin Cross.
“Our outlook for this season thus far has been to build connections and dedication and now that we are only days away, we as a coaching staff are excited to see what our preparations hold for us,” Whetzell said. “We have a handful of girls who have been proving themselves since their cleats hit the field as freshmen, and we have freshmen this year who will be tested at the varsity level.”
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Such freshmen include: Jaelah McDannald, Jena Scaletty, Hannah Morris, and Taylor Rode.
Eight lettermen return this season, another benefit for the Eagles, and Whetzell said she likes the balanced, mixed arsenal of players in 2020.
“We believe that with the combination of a growing culture, dedicated athletes, character, and hard work, that good things will come our way,” she said.
Four seniors will lead the 2020 product, and their varying leadership styles should blend with those looking to leave their imprints on the program.
Leah Weaver (SS), Maddie Walters (OF), Hall Phifer (OF), and Anna Johnston (OF/C) look to serve as extensions of the coaching staff.
“We have four mature seniors who will help lead the way. All four of them have completely different personalities, which will bring a unique blend of leadership,” added Whetzell.
Three juniors return, with two returning as 2019 lettermen.
“Two juniors who have really grown in maturity and character this year are Kaylan Worth and Autumn Worth. These sisters will add depth to our lineup. Jaelah McDannald and Jena Scaletty are two freshmen who will be on the mound for us this season. They will both will be challenged in the circle and at a maturity level, but I think they can work through it as the season progresses.”
Last season, Worth hurled 98.1 innings, going 5-11 with a 8.19 ERA, with 67 Ks and 101 walks.
Worth was also the second-leading hitter, smashing a .333 average and driving in 15.
Sophomore Bradi Weaver will set up shop behind the dish this season.
“[She] will be showing her talents behind the plate as well as throwing for the track team. She has a lot on her plate, but we have no doubt she can handle it. We have some underclassmen who have worked their tails off, but are just not ready for the varsity level. If they continue working and improving, you never know when we might need them to step up in a varsity role.”
