By Michael Cignoli (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
At this time last fall, a veteran Neosho softball team fully expected to compete for conference and district titles. After all, they returned 10 starters from a team that was coming off an 18-win season.
But injuries and illnesses quickly derailed those plans — and the Wildcats finished the year 14-14.
Now the Wildcats are healthy again and return all but four starters from last season’s team. They’re hoping to show the .500 campaign was an outlier in the program’s recent run of successful seasons.
“I want to be viewed as a tough opponent that has a no-quit attitude, clean defense and are impossible outs at the plate,” Neosho coach Catie Cummins said.
After winning just seven games in 2015, the Wildcats improved their win totals in each of the following five years. Injuries and COVID-19 regulations were major reasons why the streak didn’t hit six seasons.
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“We did our best to put the best lineup out for each game, but that came with a lot of changes trying to fill holes,” Cummins said. “We lacked consistency with who was on the field.”
The silver lining? Those injuries allowed several underclassmen to get additional playing time. They return with another year of experience – and join nine-player senior class to create this year’s lineup.
“We had several kids play as underclassmen and I see that we will have several this year as well,” Cummins said. “They got a glimpse of how good they could be and I see that translating to the field this year. I see our underclassmen having more confidence in their abilities.”
And there’s no shortage of ability – at any class.
Senior catcher McKaylie Forrest is back for another year behind the plate after collecting all-region, all-district and all-conference honors.
“Her knowledge of the game and leadership abilities are what set her apart from others at that position,” Cummins said. “She’s been working hard this summer and coaching (an under-16) team, which has only made her better in those areas.”
Classmates Chloe Patterson and Abbie Carpenter joined Forrest on the all-district teams last year. Patterson is a pitcher, while Carpenter is an infielder.
“They both have a good understanding of the game and are very consistent players,” Cummins said. “They rarely have rough games and when they do, they bounce back quickly. That’s a great quality to have to be successful in softball.”
Another desirable quality is versatility, and perhaps no one did it better than sophomore Beclynn Garrett. She was named to the all-region, all-district and all-conference teams after spending time at third base, shortstop, catcher, left field and right field in her first year on the varsity.
“We can put here anywhere and she’ll be successful because of her work ethic and natural athletic ability,” Cummins said. “The goal this year is not to have her in five different positions.”
Cummins said the Wildcats are still experimenting with their lineup, but two things are all-but certain.
First, the outfield will look significantly different now that all-state selection and Labette Community College commit Lili Graue, four-year starter Kaitlyn Killion, three-year veteran Liv Campbell and Maddie Carpenter have all graduated.
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Seniors Baylie Bowers, who is coming off an ACL injury and Avery Bradford, who underwent shoulder surgery in the offseason, are looking to lock down starting jobs. They will be competing with fellow senior Trinity Drake, junior Tatiyana Douglas, sophomores Carleigh Kinnaird and Avyn Blair and freshman Autumn Kinnaird.
“We have a solid group of contenders, so it will really come down to who is going to consistently hit,” Cummins said.
Secondly, the team’s pitching staff looks to be a core strength. Patterson, junior Phenix Scott, Carleigh Kinnaird and freshman Olivia Emery give the Wildcats four unique, talented arms.
“They each have their own strengths that will make this pitching committee successful,” Cummins said.
Senior first baseman Maelynn Garrett will be back for her third season as a varsity starter. Classmate Grace Johnson will likely play second base, while fellow senior Jordyn Baker returns to the infield.
“I see our two biggest strengths being our four arms in the circle (and) leadership and experience from our upperclassmen,” Cummins said.
Neosho will travel to Glendale for an August 19 jamboree. Opponents include the Falcons, Willard and Marion C. Early.
The Wildcats are scheduled to open the regular season when Monett visits on August 29. They will travel to Joplin for the Paige Neal/Christina Freeman Invitational Tournament on September 2 and 3, then head to Nixa for their Central Ozark Conference opener on September 6.
