By Amanda Perkins (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
The Mountain Grove Lady Panthers will be tasked with rebuilding after graduating seven seniors who led them to a 14-8 finish last season.
“All seven will be sorely missed,” said head coach Lori Hyde. That senior group includes: Gracie Anderson (pitcher/first base), Kelsie Watson (catcher), Kylie Mullins (first/third base), Kylee Sheppard (first/third base), Trinity Elliot (outfield), Alex Hicks (outfield) and Grayci Keeling (infield/outfield).
But Hyde does bring back some pieces of the puzzle.
Claire Felker played left field last season and now will take over at centerfield. “Defensively, she is my eyes,” said Hyde. “She knows the game. Offensively, she’s a power hitter.” Felker averaged .475 at the plate with 59 at bats and 28 hits and 3 homeruns.
Maddie Emery, shortstop, brings speed to the table. “She’s fast, fast, fast,” said Hyde. Emery also had a .403 batting average last season.
Rileigh Holman, catcher, batted .300 in 2021. “She’s my base stealer and the DP/FLEX who would hit,” said Hyde. “She’s a slapper and can bat from both sides of the plate.”
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Gracelynn Richardson will pitch and plays a strong right field. “I’m excited about her speed and level of confidence in the field and on the mound,” said Hyde.
Desi Cantrell, junior, will pitch as well. “She also has great speed,” said Hyde. “I hope she will be a force to be reckoned with.”
Sophomore Taylor Hicks moved to first base after playing utility last year. Audrey Ipock, sophomore, pitched a lot of JV games last year and has a strong arm. Ipock, Samee Peterson, Chloe Bolton, Abby Fry, and Haylee Proctor will compete to fill open varsity positions.
“I’m excited to have incoming freshmen Landry Golden and Zoey Kriner this season,” said Hyde. “And I’m looking forward to seeing what freshman Morgan Tyrrell can do as well.”
“While many of the players have yet to be battle-tested, adversity is nothing new to this team. “We adapt really well to change,” said Hyde. “We are looking forward to competing this season.”
The Lady Panthers host their home opener against Winona March 18.
