By Dana Harding (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Kickapoo’s softball program continued its recent run of success in 2019.
The Lady Chiefs notched a third-straight, 20-win season with a 24-6 finish and captured a Class 4 District 10 championship along the way.
While Kickapoo fell to Raymore-Peculiar in the state quarterfinal round, head coach Jason Howser is eager for another chance at the postseason.
“We have several returning starters from last year’s team,” Howser said. “We are looking forward to the challenge and opportunities of the 2020 softball season.”
First on Howser’s list will be replacing the productivity of graduated senior and all-region selection Kenzie Walker (12 HR, 42 RBI).
The senior class did a good job of putting the team first and accepting roles within the team,” Howser said. “Kenzie was a plus defensive first baseman and a key leader on the team. Her offensive numbers cannot be replaced.”
The good news is the Lady Chiefs have plenty of returning firepower in the lineup, including a quartet of senior leaders ready to take the field.
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All-state pitcher Ellie Facklam led the team in hits last fall; all-region shortstop Chloe Merced led Kickapoo in stolen bases and struck out only one time in 2019; all-region utility Jaden LaBarge finished second in home runs and RBIs to Walker and all-region outfielder Maggie McKee led the team in triples.
They will be joined by three returning juniors in all-region catcher Kate Pierce, who led the team in hits-by-pitch and batting average; all-conference infielder Megan Dancey, who led Kickapoo in runs scored and walks; and all-conference outfielder Bella Williams.
“We will have some spots to fill, and we have multiple players that can compete for each spot,” Howser said. “This group loves to compete, so that should be fun to watch.”
Those new players to the varsity roster include senior utility McKenna Fink, sophomore infielder Karli Facklam, sophomore outfielder Taylor Akers and sophomore catcher/outfielder Callie Muldoon.
With an array of talent and versatility on the roster, Howers believes Kickapoo’s biggest strength heading into the season is its ability to show up for each practice and game with a purpose.
“This is a great group of young ladies and, as a coaching staff, we love the way they show up each day to get better.”
Whether in the field or at the plate, Howser feels Kickapoo will be able to effectively compete. Ellie Facklam and LeBarge provide a wealth of experience in the circle, while the Lady Chiefs should feature both power and speed throughout the lineup.
“Barring injury, Ellie Facklam and Jaden LaBarge have us flush with pitching this fall,” Howser said. “We have great diversity in our offensive attack, and that makes us multidimensional in how we can score runs.”
Following an Aug. 25 jamboree with Nevada at McDonald County, Kickapoo opens its season Aug. 28 at Nixa.
