By Chris Parker
Weaubleau will be looking to get back into the Class 1 state playoff this year after having as streak of three consecutive district titles snapped last year.
The Tigers will rely on the leadership of the junior class headlined by a trio of returning all-conference players. That group includes Jaylee Daggett, Sutton Mitchell and Tayler Ashlock.
“All three have been starters since their freshman year,” head coach Sue Ginnings said. “Game experience and being able to handle game situations and will be their main attributes.”
Daggett, a catcher, was named first-team all-conference last year. She hit .377 with a 1.154 OPS. She scored 35 runs and drove in another 39. The junior had 10 doubles and five triples.
Mitchell, a second-team all-conference selection, led Weaubleau with 39 runs scored. She hit .329 with a.985 OPS. Defensively, Mitchell will play shortstop.
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Ashlock was also an honorable mention all-conference selection. The third baseman scored 32 runs while driving in 21 with a .315 average.
Kaylin Vail (pitcher/first base) and Mariah Ball (second base/outfield) round out the deep junior class. Sophomore Kali Anderson will also see time at pitcher while freshman Sophia Weaver will be the backup at catcher while competing for time at second base.
Madison Hensley returns to the lineup in the outfield after missing last year with injury. Sophomore Delany Welch will see time at first base.
“I feel that we should be strong in the field. And the middle of our batting lineup should be strong,” Ginnings said. “We have been concentrating on base running to start this season. We have to learn to be more aggressive on the bases and not leave runners in scoring position.”
Weaubleau will host Walnut Grove, Lebanon and Montrose for a jamboree on Aug. 23 before opening the regular season Aug. 26-27 at the Humansville Tournament.
“I expect this team to grow more confident with each outing,” Ginnings said. “We are still relatively young. We should finish towards the top of the conference.”
