By Chris Parker
Liberty softball lost its 2020 spring season like every team in Missouri, but the Lady Eagles did get play during the summer.
“We actually had some time on the field during the summer. It wasn’t much, but it really got the girls ready to start this season. This was the first time in many years that our softball program had offered any summer softball,” first-year Liberty head coach Miranda Tharp said.
Seniors Kiah Reese (pitcher) and Piper Hiber (first base) will be team leaders.
“She (Reese) is a leader on and off the field. She loves to help the girls individually with their strengths and weaknesses. Kiah has been pitching since she started playing softball. She has a hard, consistent pitch, and can pretty much throw whatever you ask of her,” Tharp said. “Piper was new to our district last year, and although unable to play with the team last spring due to COVID, she is one that the girls look up to. She is an all-around great athlete and teammate.”
Sophomore Lyla Cornman and freshmen Maci Tharp and Kaylie Foster will also pitch.
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“She (Cornman) has a cannon. She is one of the hardest pitchers in high school I have seen,” Tharp said. “Both (Tharp and Foster) have played together since they were eight and have been pitching ever since. They are both consistent in the strike zone, but have lots of room for growth. They will see the pitcher’s circle a lot this year and will ultimately make them stronger pitchers.”
Cornman will also catch along with freshman Reagan Wells.
The infield lineup will feature Hiber (first base), senior Shayla Denton or sophomore Korinne Goodchild (second base), sophomore Chloe Kelts (shortstop) and Foster (third base).
Maci Tharp along with freshman Macey Bolander, junior Mandy Haynes and Sophomore Ellie Watts will play in the outfield.
“We have a very young team this year. With this sophomore and freshman group, they do have an advantage. They have all been playing together since they were eight and nine years old. They know each other’s strengths and weaknesses, and they know how to help each other when they need to. They are a family and are willing to do just about anything to make sure they are not the underdogs. They have a passion for softball and success and are willing to work hard to get there,” Tharp said. “We really need small improvements in just about everything, but mainly in the box. We are rusty from not playing in some time, but with time we will make the necessary adjustments to be successful and grow.”
Liberty opens the season on Mar. 19 at the Alton Tournament.
