By Kai Raymer (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Camdenton softball will have a youth movement this fall.
And that’s a strength, not a weakness, says coach Tyler Dinsdale.
The young and new-look Lady Lakers are ready to prove themselves against varsity competition.
“One of our strengths is our youth,” Dinsdale said. “We have a lot of girls who have worked really hard this summer and are eager to show what they’ve got.
“We should also be pretty fast on the basepaths, and we will have one of the best pitching staffs we’ve had in the last few years.”
Camdenton welcomes back eight varsity players from last season’s team.
Catcher Adelyn Enos is one of Camdenton’s most experienced players. The senior and two-year starter hit .295 last season and posted a .944 fielding percentage behind the plate.
“She is our team leader. we will rely heavily on her this year,” Dinsdale said.
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Senior Jocelyn Wolf will contend for a starting role at third base. She filled in at that position last year.
Senior Felicity Kirby shined in a utility role off the bench last season.
“This year, she will be called on to start at multiple positions in the outfield and infield,” Dinsdale said. “Felicity is a very versatile player.”
Mackenzie Daniels, another senior, is one of Camdenton’s best players – when she’s not busy with her other sport (volleyball).
Despite playing in only 10 softball games, Daniels earned all-conference and all-district honors last season. She hit .448 and did not allow an earned run during conference play.
“When available, Mackenzie will play a very important role for our team,” Dinsdale said.
Camdenton returns a lone junior in Ryah Moore. She pitched and played outfield last season. Moore will primarily play first base this season, Dinsdale said.
Camdenton returns three sophomores who all made big contributions as freshmen.
Zoe Lockhart led Camdenton in most offensive categories last season: home runs, RBIs, triples and total at-bats. She also tied for the team lead in hits and doubles and received all-conference honors.
“Zoe will be looked upon to provide the offensive firepower for us,” Dinsdale said.
Jaimee Hendrix is a returning starter in left field.
“She will continue to play multiple positions in the outfield while providing support offensively,” Dinsdale said.
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Sophomore Addy Clay emerged as a starter in her rookie season. She returns at second base.
“She’s a hard worker who will provide leadership and stability in the infield,” Dinsdale said.
Camdenton finished 9-18 overall last season, a three-win improvement from the previous year.
The Lady Lakers are eyeing double-digit wins this season.
“We had a good summer and are returning some very valuable assets from last year’s team,” Dinsdale said. “We expect double digit wins and to be very competitive in conference and districts.”
The Lady Lakers must replace five starters from their 2020 lineup.
Emma Rakes (all-state, all-region) was a four-year starter. Katy Pitts (all-conference), Sadie Stockman (all-conference) and Kylee Moore were all two-year starters.
In addition, two-year starter and would-be senior Gracie Coffelt moved.
Camdenton will lean on a promising freshmen class to fill in those gaps.
Freshmen who could crack the starting lineup include: Cayden VonSande (P/SS), Anna Lucas (P/1B), Rylee Meyer (IF) and Bailey Randolph (OF).
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Camdenton also welcomes back senior Brandi Sloan (P/OF), who missed last season.
Dinsdale said Camdenton had an “active” offseason.
About 15 players regularly attended open field and weightlifting sessions, the highest number in several years.
“Most were incoming freshmen,” Dinsdale said. “We will rely on them to help out quite a bit on varsity this year with multiple players (having) starting roles.”
The Lady Lakers begin the regular season August 27-28 at the Morrisville Tournament.
Camdenton will host Iberia, Sedalia Smith-Cotton and Marshfield in a jamboree scrimmage on August 24.
