By Matt Turer (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Team: Pleasant Hope Pirates
Coach: Kevin McVey
2019 Results: 27-4 (Lost 6-2 to Potosi in Class 1 state quarterfinals)
Opening Day 2021: March 19 at Purdy
Pleasant Hope made the move to spring softball in 2019, and things went well. The Pirates won 27 games and made a run to the Class 1 quarterfinals.
That success was nothing new for head coach Kevin McVey’s program, which previously competed in fall softball where it had won seven district titles and a state championship between 2009 and 2018.
“Almost every season for the last 17 years we have competed for a District Championship,” McVey said. “That is something that we always feel like we have a chance to do. And then to advance through the playoffs.”
The Pirates seemingly had a good chance at another run at state in 2020 before the COVID-19 pandemic cancelled the spring sports season, forcing McVey to say goodbye to a five-member senior class—four of which had earned 2019 postseason accolades—before they could even take the field for their final high school campaign.
Despite the cancelled season, McVey made sure his program found ways to play competitive softball over the past year in addition to his athletes staying active in other varsity sports.
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“We were able to play some last summer to get the underclassmen some ‘varsity’ experience,” McVey said. “We also needed to see who might fill some of the positions of our graduating seniors. Being from a small school, many of our athletes play volleyball and basketball, which is great, but it does limit how much time we have with them in the offseason.”
This year, the Pirates return eight players from their 2019 varsity roster and welcome in at least five varsity newcomers. Only one of the eight returners was a varsity starter in 2019.
“I’m excited just being able to coach again,” McVey said. “To work with the girls, help them improve and gain confidence. The last few years we’ve had several returning starters. This year, we only have one, so I’m gonna have to really do my best job as a coach.”
2021 Roster Outlook
Pirates seniors include Bailey Stokes (SS), Alyssa Bell (C/INF/P), Keighlyn Johnson (CF) and varsity newcomer Jayden Marshal (INF).
Stokes, a three-year starter at third base, is making the transition to shortstop. A lefty leadoff hitter, Stokes hit .512 with seven doubles and four triples as a sophomore in 2019 with a .906 fielding percentage.
“Bailey usually gets our offense going,” McVey said. “She is very quick and has some power. We will count on her more this season to get on base, score runs and anchor our infield.”
Bell has previous varsity experience at third and catcher and will be part of the Pirates pitching staff in 2021. McVey said he will look to her to make up some of the offensive production the Pirates lost in 2020.
Johnson batted .261 with an impressive .419 on-base percentage in 2019 and is expected by McVey to be a big contributor at the plate.
Pirates juniors include Katie Chapman (UTIL), Alexis Daugherty (OF), Stephanie Thompson (OF), Rachel Jenkins (INF), Samantha Elliott (INF) and varsity newcomer Abbey Swearengin.
Chapman was a do-it-all defender as a freshman in 2019, and it sounds like McVey expects more of the same from her as a senior.
“Katie has caught some for us, played on the infield, and the outfield as well,” McVey said. “She could be one of our catchers or play any of the infield positions. Katie is quick and has a good bat. We are hoping she can be a second leadoff to help jumpstart our offense.”
Daugherty, Thompson, Jenkins and Elliott are expected to be starters or compete for varsity playing time.
Pleasant Hope’s underclassmen include sophomores Kylie Tucker (INF) and Jaylin Miner (UTIL) and freshman Rebeckah Webb.
“Tucker will be part of our infield at first base or third, and Miner can play several positions and will be part of our pitching staff as well,” McVey said. “Both of them will be a big part of any success we have this season.”
2021 Season Outlook
Pleasant Hope will host Morrisville (Marion C. Early), Niangua and Skyline for a jamboree on March 15.
The Pirates are scheduled to host two tournaments this season: the six-team Pleasant Hope Softball Invitational (3/26-3/27) and the 12-team Pleasant Hope Lady Pirate Softball Invitational (4/16-4/17).
The team’s season opener is on the road at Purdy on March 19. The Pirates home opener will be as tournament host on March 26.
“This will be the first season in a while that I am a little uncertain as to how good we will be,” McVey said. “Our conference is very competitive, and even though we won our conference in 2019, there were many close games. I expect that each team will have improved but my hope is that we can repeat as conference champions. We’re all excited to get back on the field.”
Pleasant Hope is still awaiting its class affiliation from MSHSAA with spring softball splitting into two classifications. That split will also decide the Pirates district affiliation.
Like teams across the country, the Pirates will do their best to avoid any COVID-19 cancellations or quarantine situations.
“Staying healthy and out of quarantine are the biggest challenges so far,” McVey said. “We are just hoping to not get sick or have to miss any games.”
