By Chris Parker
Spokane softball will be looking to improve on last year’s one-win campaign behind a trio of seniors in Aryanna Baxter, Marah Davis and Chloe Milburn and sophomore Tristen Wallace.
“The seniors add maturity and experience as mentors to younger students,” Spokane head coach Marlana Byrne said. “Tristen, being the catcher, is stepping into the role of being a vocal leader behind the plate.”
Abby Ayres will be the team’s top pitcher. Riley Wood and Hailie Branum will look to contribute innings in the circle as well.
The full lineup around the infield and outfield will look like this:
Catcher – Tristen Wallace
1st – Marah Davis
2nd – Adelynn Baxter
3rd – Kathrine Gagliari
Shortstop – Madi Carr
Centerfield – Aryanna Baxter
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Hailie Branum, Riley Wood and Chole Milburn are in the mix for the other two outfield positions.
“We have a couple of strong hitters in our lineup that will help us. Aryanna Baxter’s speed in the outfield. Tristen Wallace behind the plate can read and block the ball well. Shortstop Madi Carr moves very well after a hard hit ball and is not afraid to get dirty,” Byrne said. “We definitely need to improve our hitting and situational details such as base running and reading the ball a little better. We have a lot of inexperienced players, but they work hard and want to learn. We have hopes that the more Ayres throws the more accurate she will become.”
Spokane opens the season on Mar. 22 at Galena.
