By Tyler F. Thompson (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
The Rolla Lady Bulldogs return an experienced core to the diamond this fall.
Second-year Rolla softball head coach Kenny Hohe has a nice luxury on hand as his team returns seven senior starters and its sophomore starting hurler in Madison Hamby for the fall campaign.
Hamby authored a 9-4 record with a 3.32 ERA last season.
“Going into the season, this summer, by talking to people, her [Hamby] velocity has increased. But what we are hoping for, is that she becomes a better strike thrower, as well.”
While Hamby will take to the circle more often than not, the Bulldogs certainly have depth in the circle.
Added Hohe: “We have to throw strikes and take advantage of that. Not just [Hamby] but everyone. The key for us is throwing strikes. Defensively, for us, we will be pretty solid and be pretty strong.”
Other hurlers include Makenzie Carter (6-3 record, all-state)), Sierra Spencer, Hannah Hoss, and Kiara Webber.
The Lady Bulldogs fell to Bolivar 6-1 in last year’s Class 4 District 5 semifinals, so having an experienced nucleus back in the fold is a nice start to chasing the coveted district championship.
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“Five of them [starters], maybe six, will be full-time starters,” Hohe said of his returners. “Two of them will split some time with some underclassmen. Or they will flex … we will run out 10 girls on most nights.”
Maycie Montgomery (first base) was the lone senior starter who graduated (.390 average and slugged 1.011).
With 14 upperclassmen returning, though, depth — most notably on defense — is another asset the Lady Bulldogs have in their proverbial holster.
The Bulldogs return 11 lettermen, so Hohe and his Lady Bulldogs are eyeing a bit of poetic justice this fall with a deep postseason run.
Of course, all programs long for such a narrative, but with a budding team such as the Lady ‘Dogs, the goal is attainable after going 16-10 last year.
As for this year, well, the opposition has been placed upon watch.
Said Hohe: “Our expectations are high. We expect to compete for a conference and a district title. But we have work cut out for us. And now that MSHSAA [Missouri High School Activities Association] has changed its format, we can play 36 games. We are adding as many great Class 4 and Class 5 schools that we can. We want to play the best teams that we can, and we want to see great pitching all season long.”
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With the loaded schedule on the horizon, will those mid-season duels pay dividends come postseason play?
Added Hohe: “I am also the baseball coach, and we try and do the same thing in baseball. We believe that seeing better competition prepares you for districts and tough games. If you see better pitching, you are more prepared for it [postseason].”
Team identities may come and go, but for Rolla, the balanced assets are much needed given the talent that currently resides in the Ozark Conference.
“We think our pitching is pretty good, but we think what makes our … we don’t have a player throwing 60 miles per hour, but what we do have are girls who mix it … in and out, up and down.”
Hannah Hoss and Kiara Webber will also factor in, Hohe said.
Hohe said his team will host a jamboree, but time and opponents have yet to be finalized.
