By Chris Parker
Cabool softball isn’t taking anything for granted this year after last season was canceled.
“The team was excited for last season to get started, but then it all came to an abrupt end due to COVID. It has affected everyone on the team in some way or another. I do believe that it has made this year’s team realize not to take their time on the field for granted, which has made them hungry and ready for the season to get started,” Cabool head coach Scott Tooley said. “It means a lot for the team and myself to get back on the field. The field is a place where we can forget about everything in our lives and just play a game. Getting back to playing will bring back a certain dedication that only sports is able to bring to people.”
A group of seven seniors will be looked to for leadership.
“Some of them will have been with me for three years now, and they know what I expect from them and the rest of the team. I will expect some of them to lead by example and I will want some of them to be vocal leaders,” Tooley said.
Senior Gracie Campbell and sophomore Athena Waller will handle the pitching duties with junior Hailey Shannon behind the plate at catcher. Campbell is also a strong hitter posting a .456 batting average with 13 runs scored and 8 RBI two years ago. Shannon hit .472 with 14 RBI and 14 runs scored in 2019.
CLICK HERE FOR ALL OF THE SPRING SPORTS PREVIEWS
Seniors Alexis Hurst, Abigail Heuerman, Gracie Campbell, Josie Atkins and Madelynne Aaron along with juniors Morganne Aaron and sophomores Maddie Gayer and Athena Waller will all be in the mix for innings on the infield.
Heuerman returns after hitting .278 with 9 runs scored and 7 RBI two seasons ago.
Vanessa Kentner (senior), Dalila Cannon (senior), Megan Gayer (junior), Sophomore Cameron Primanzon (sophomore) and Bailey Aaron (freshman) will all look for time in the outfield.
Kenter hit .457 with 11 RBI and nine runs scored in 2019. Cannon hit .349 with 10 RBI and 16 runs scored as a sophomore two years ago.
This group of seniors is looking to make some Cabool history this year.
“Overall expectations are very high this year. We ended our season two years ago with the most wins the Cabool Lady Bulldogs’ program has had at 10,” Tooley said. “We are expecting to break that win total and challenge for a conference and district title.”
Cabool opens the season Mar. 19-20 at the Koshkonong Invitational.
