By Chris Parker
Mountain Grove softball will field a team with good experience this year with a group of seven seniors leading the way who are ready to get back on the field after losing their 2019 season.
“It is a blessing to be back on the field, working with the girls, I think we all missed it. If COVID taught us one thing, it was the fact we take things for granted and we aren’t going to do that again. Every day we get to hit the field is a gift and we want to make the most of it,” Mountain Grove head coach Lori Hyde said. “It seems rare these days but we have several seniors, and their leadership will be vital to our success. Their game experience is extremely important to our program. There is no substitute for great senior leadership.”
That senior group includes: Gracie Anderson (pitcher/first base), Kelsie Watson (catcher), Kylie Mullins (first/third base), Kylee Sheppard (first/third base), Trinity Elliot (outfield), Alex Hicks (outfield) and Grayci Keeling (infield/outfield).
Anderson, Desi Cantrell and Audrey Ipock will comprise Mountain Grove’s pitching staff.
“Gracie Anderson is a four-year starter at pitcher/first base. She brings consistency to the mound with the ability to control her pitches. She is competitive and will bring her best each outing. Desi has a little more speed and will be working to find the same consistency. If she can hone in that control she has a lot of potential. She should get a decent amount of time on the mound. Audrey is a freshman, she doesn’t have as much game experience but seems to be very coachable and we have high hopes for her. She does what we ask and that goes a long way,” Hyde said.
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Watson brings experience to catcher.
In the infield, Mullins will play first when Anderson is pitching. Keeling and Claire Felker will put in time at second base. Junior Maddie Emery and sophomore Samee Peterson will anchor the shortstop position. Sheppard will play mostly at third base.
Elliot leads the outfield in center. She will be flanked by Hicks in right field. Keeling, Falker and Gracelynn Richardson could all see time in left field.
“I think our leadership will be a strength for us. The game experience from this group of seniors can make a huge difference for us. We also look to utilize speed this year. We have several players like junior Rileigh Holman, Maddie Emery, Gracie Anderson, Samee Peterson and sophomore Abby Fry that we need on the bases to be most effective. We also look for some kids to break out at the plate. We think our offense could be a strength. Trinity Elliot, Alex Hicks, Claire Felker, Kelsey Watson and Kylee Sheppard will most likely be the heart of our lineup. If we can get our speedsters to set the table we look for these kids to drive in several runs,” Hyde said. “I think we need to be more consistent all around to be the most successful this season. We have all the tools, we just have to put it together. If we can make the routine plays and stay positive we could really put together a nice season.”
Mountain Grove opens the season on Mar. 19 at Winona.
“Overall expectations are to make some noise come district time,” Hyde said. “We want to play in the postseason as long as possible. We always set our expectations high.”
