By Chris Parker
Dora softball will look to make a deep post-season run with a team led by upperclassmen this year. The Falcons finished last season with an 11-9 record.
“We will look to senior shortstop Cassidy Hambelton and senior third baseman McKenna Miller for our leadership this year, which is a role they are both familiar with,” Dora head coach Dylan Fox said. “Cassidy has led the team in batting average the last two seasons. And McKenna is a solid bat behind her. This will be each of their third year at their positions also, so they will hold down the left side.”
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Hambelton was a first-team all-district and second-team all-region infielder last year, while Miller was named honorable mention all-district.
Juniors Shauna Lake and Lauren Miller will hold down second and first base, respectively. Juniors Autumn Nold and Chesney Luna return to the outfield. Nold was a first-team all-district selection in the outfield last year.
Kenley Howard will take over in the circle for the graduated Riley Collins. Collins earned first-team all-district and second-team all-region honors at pitcher.
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“This will be her first year in the circle, but we are looking for her to improve a lot as the season progresses,” Fox said.
Dora opens the season on Aug. 27 at home against Alton.
“Our strong point will be our defense,” Fox said. “I will have returning starters in every position besides pitcher and catcher, so defensively we will be ready. Offensively we improved a lot this summer. We will surprise a lot of people offensively.”
