By Dana Harding (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Waynesville’s softball program took another step forward last season with its first double-digit win season in the past three.
Heading into her fourth season with the Lady Tigers, head coach Rachelle Maubach looks to continue the trend.
“We had a season of growth,” Maubach said. “We learned we cannot depend on one player, we all have to pull our weight. Being in situations where we have to work together, communicate on the defense and execute timely on the offense.”
One of Maubach’s most immediate challenges in the offseason will be to find replacements for a significant portion of her lineup due to graduation.
“We lost six senior starters,” Maubach said. “Isabella Pondrom is continuing her softball career playing at St.Louis Community College – her leadership and heart on the field will be greatly missed, Madison Thompson is continuing her softball career playing at Central Methodist University, Bailey Shultz will be Cheering for Drury University, Mea Williams, Kaylin Krantz and Vanessa Blake will all be greatly missed.”
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A pair of seniors are set to lead the Lady Tigers in utility Abigail Hillman and midfielder/pitcher Callie Zarcone.
They will be joined by junior pitcher Joana Jones and sophomore pitcher Emma Ray.
With open spots in the lineup, the Lady Tigers will lean on a host of varsity newcomers.
“We have several girls new to the Varsity level, as well as new to our program to keep an eye on,” Maubach said.
Junior outfielder Alyssa Hillman, sophomore midfielder Jennifer Boyd, junior infielder Brittany Davison and junior utility Rylie Voigt will all compete for varsity playing time this season.
For Waynesville’s upward trend to continue, its new faces will need to mesh quickly within Maubach’s system and adjust to the varsity game.
“I have positive expectations – we are going to be young,” Maubach said. “We are going to grow throughout the season. We will end stronger than we start – We will start strong. We have a strong team culture and our girls support each other. The older seasoned players have taken the leadership roles and are guiding our underclassmen.”
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One of Waynesville’s strengths heading into the fall is its pitching staff, with Jones, Ray and Zarcone all expected to see time in the circle.
“We will be strong in the circle,” Maubach said. “We have a collaboration of speed, off speed, we have a large variety of pitches and the ability to move the ball.”
While Waynesville’s youth and inexperience will be a challenge to overcome this season, Maubach also recognizes the benefits.
“I like that our defense is young and eager,” Maubach said.
Following jamboree play with Rolla and Washington, Waynesville will open its season Aug. 31 at home against Hillcrest.
