By Dana Harding (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
2020 was a banner year for the Marion C. Early softball program.
The Lady Panthers captured a district title and finished with a 19-7 record.
Head coach Mike McHolland has even higher expectations this season, as MCE returns its entire lineup.
“Young team, but still accomplished our goal of winning a district title,” McHolland said. “The biggest take away for the team will be more prepared this season to take the next step in the postseason.”
A quartet of seniors return to lead the Lady Panthers, including pitcher/infielder Hannah Brisley (.313 BA, 20 RBI, 3-1), outfielder Riley Simmons (.307 BA, 23 RBI), outfielder Olivia Blehm (.333 BA, 15 RBI) and infielder Becca Presley (16 runs, 25 walks).
Brisley, Simmons and Blehm received all district honors, and Simmons was an all-region selection.
Three juniors also return to the lineup in shortstop Lauren Taylor (.392 BA, 17 RBI, 22 SB), outfielder Kirsten McGinnis (.353 BA, 15 RBI) and infielder/outfielder Halle Burrow (.279 BA, 24 RBI).
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Taylor was named to all-district and all-region squads, and McGinnis was an all-district honoree.
A trio of sophomores round out MCE’s returning core, including pitcher/infielder Hailey Presley (.505 BA, 41 RBI, 4 HR, 10 SB, 16-6, 3.12 ERA, 158 SO), catcher Taylor Blehm (.456 BA, 35 RBI, 5 HR) and utility Maggie Painter (16 runs, 10 RBI).
Varsity newcomers Macie Letterman, Miya Bess and Addie Bess will also compete for playing time this season.
McHolland believes the Lady Panthers have the talent, experience and depth necessary to facilitate a deep run through the state playoff bracket.
“With 10 lettermen and nine starters returning from last season’s team, hopefully we can build on our postseason success in the past seasons,” McHolland said. “With an upgraded schedule, along with a veteran team, hopefully we can take that next step in the postseason.”
While MCE will feature a solid, all-around team, it’s success will start in the circle, with Presley and Brisley expected to share time at the position.
“We have a solid combo of returning pitchers with Hailey Presley and Hannah Brisley that are very experienced at this position,” McHolland said. “Both are capable of doing the job for the team when we call on them.”
At the plate, MCE figures to be extremely versatile, with plenty of speed an power throughout the lineup.
“We have a mixture of power, speed and small ball in the returning players in the lineup,” McHolland said. “I like to do a lot of small ball if the situation comes into play during the game.”
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Despite the lofty expectations, McHolland realizes his team’s success will depend on continued development throughout the season and finding roles for everyone on a deep and talented squad.
“We need to improve on our mental toughness,” McHolland said. “Playing time within the team with 10 returning lettermen plus a talented freshman class. Need to be more prepared for the postseason and accomplish what this team is capable of accomplishing this season.”
With two final four appearances and seven district titles to his name, McHolland could also hit another milestone this season.
The longtime MCE skipper is 15 victories shy of 300 heading into the fall campaign, but the focus remains on the field.
“We have nine starters coming back from last season who know our team system of doing things on the field the right way within the Lady Panther program,” McHolland said. “Our pitching staff and a solid batting order could also be a strength for the team.”
Following jamboree play at Macks Creek on Aug. 21 with Climax Springs, Central and Richland, the Lady Panthers will open the season Aug. 27 in the Morrisville Tournament.
