By Dana Harding (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
McDonald County softball enjoyed a banner season in 2020.
The Lady Mustangs finished with a 21-4 record, falling to Webb City in the district championship.
Head coach Heath Alumbaugh, entering his second season at the helm, hopes to build on his rookie campaign.
“We had a lot of new faces playing for us last year,” Alumbaugh said. “I think the biggest thing we learned is what it takes to continue the tradition of Mustang softball and the expectations we have within our program.”
First up for Alumbaugh will be finding replacements for a pair of graduated starters in pitcher Alexa Hopkins and outfielder Deorica Zamora.
Hopkins will continue her softball career this fall at Murray State College.
“Alexa was very valuable to us in the circle over her four years,” Alumbaugh said. “Deorica started in right field for us and was a solid defender, as well as being very capable at the plate. Both will be missed, but provide opportunities for the next man up.”
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Next up to lead the Lady Mustangs is a trio of seniors in pitcher/infielder Madeline McCall (.366 BA, 23 RBI, 106 IP, 196 K), infielder Mariana Salas (.339 BA, 18 RBI) and infielder Adasyn Lunch (.268 BA, 18 RBI).
The three seniors are joined by junior catcher Reagan Myrick (.319 BA, 19 RBI), sophomore infielder Carlee Cooper (.470 BA, 19 RBI), sophomore outfielder/pitcher Naveah Dodson (.462 BA, 21 RBI) and sophomore outfielder Katelynn Townsend (.342 BA, 15 RBI).
McCall, Cooper and Dodson received all-state honors last season.
McDonald County will also welcome a host of varsity newcomers to the roster this season, including outfielder Melanie Gillming, outfielder Madison Grider, infielder Zoe Parish, infielder Kylan Sherman, outfielder Alexis Abbott, infielder Jacie Frencken and infielder Natalie Gillming.
With a host of returning experience, talent and depth, Alumbagh has high expectations for his team this season.
“Our expectations never change from year to year,” Alumbaugh said. “We expect to go out and compete at a very high level every night. We want to be competing for a conference championship and a district championship every year, but that only happens by competing every time you step on the field.”
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In the circle, McDonald County will rely on both McCall and Dodson to set the tone and keep opposing hitters off balance throughout the season.
“Our pitching is set up well, and we have two great options in the circle,” Alumbaugh said. “Madeline McCall returns for us, having thrown a lot of innings in big games. Then we have sophomore Nevaeh Dodson. Dodson has worked her tail off all summer and is ready to take the ball against anyone we play. Both pitchers provide a different and unique look for hitters at the plate.”
With most of his lineup returning, Alumbaugh also looks for continued success at the plate and in the field.
“Our lineup is a very balanced attack,” Alumbaugh said. “We can score runs from anywhere in the lineup, and we have a good mixture of speed and power throughout the lineup. We also return most of our defensive starters from last year. They are a very savvy group and have worked all year on taking steps forward to get even better.”
For McDonald County to improve on last season’s success, it will need to navigate a difficult conference and district schedule.
“The biggest challenge we have to face is our schedule,” Alumbaugh said. “There are no nights off. The Big 8 conference produces a tough schedule every night, as well as our district opponents. If you take a night off, with our schedule, you will be humbled very quickly.”
Following jamboree play on Aug. 20 at Nevada, McDonald County begins its season Aug. 30 at Ozark.
