By Pat Dailey (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Not many teams are undergoing as dramatic a makeover as Seneca, as the Lady Indians adjust to playing without pitcher Chelsea Beville.
Beville, now a freshman at Crowder, took care of quite a bit her senior year at Seneca by striking out a single-season school record 250 in 149.2 innings last season.
The Lady Indians’ pitchers this season are Sierra Lennon, Hunter Beard and Emily Askren. Lennon threw 10 innings a year ago and Beard four.
Coach Jeff Sill is looking forward to seeing how his defense will react to much more balls being put in play.
“That’s a big part of my game, making batters hit the pitch we want them to hit and play good defense behind our pitcher,” Sill said. “I’m a big believer in defense because the ball is going to be put in play. We’re going to have to play good defense behind our pitchers.”
Sill wished the Lady Indians would have had more time together over the summer. Their original schedule was impacted by COVID-19.
“We haven’t been on the field much this summer,” he said. “We only got to play a couple of games. It’s been a different summer for sure. We’re ready to get back on the field.”
CLICK HERE FOR LINKS TO ALL OF THE FALL PREVIEWS
Seneca’s returning starters are led by the trio of shortstop Kayla French, third baseman Kayden McKnight and Askren.
French’s junior season saw her post a .358 batting average and show off exceptional baserunning. She totaled 27 runs scored, 18 stolen bases, seven doubles and pair of triples.
“She led off for us last year and will return to that position,” Sill said. “She will set the tone for us.”
McKnight batted .360 with 14 RBIs a year ago.
“She will play pretty good defense and produce in the middle of the order,” Sill said. “She’s a valuable asset.”
Askren burst upon the scene by hitting .342 as a freshman.
“She was a pleasant surprise,” Still said. “She’s swinging the stick pretty good and will be a utility player.”
Seneca had a handful of freshmen and sophomores play extensively last season.
“What they gained from last year will carry over to this year and give them an edge,” Sill said.
Seneca suffered six losses last season in which the Lady Indians were either shut out or scored just one run. They were blanked by McDonald County 3-0 in the Class 3 District 12 final.
“We’re pretty streaky with our hitting. One thing we need to work on is being more consistent,” Sill said. “We need to find pitches we can hit and drive instead of chasing pitches. I’m confident our bats will come around, whether we’re playing small ball or driving the ball.”
