By Pat Dailey (For OzarkSportsZone.com)
Plato will look to remain on the upswing while not having a Garrett in the center circle for the first time in seven seasons.
With Kaitin Garrett and Kailey Garrett having handled the pitching duties for the Lady Eagles since 2016, Plato has enjoyed seven straight winning seasons and made it to the Class 1 Four a year ago.
Coach Jessica Perryman feels with momentum on the Lady Eagles’ side, they can continue their winning ways.
“Last year was a big confidence booster for our players. It (gave) us experience playing against talented teams and pitchers,” Perryman said. “I also feel it has added some interest in our program, and we should have about 16-17 players on the team this year, which is a good number for our small school.
“I like to tell my players that the sky’s the limit so long as they work hard and give 100 percent,” she added. “We’re going to work hard and hopefully use our momentum from last year to continue a winning tradition at Plato.”
Kailey Garrett graduated after being named to the Class 1 All State First Team. She enjoyed a stellar post-season in which she allowed a total of only four runs during Plato’s four district, sectional and quarterfinal wins.
Freshman Taylor Utley will assume the Lady Eagles’ primary pitching duties, with Seirra Thompson also expected to throw some innings.
“Our biggest concern is losing our starting pitcher,” Perryman said. “We have several girls that have worked very hard in the off-season to fill that role. I feel (Taylor) will contribute on the mound for us. Seirra, who pitched several jayvee games for us last year, will see time on the mound, as well. Our new assistant, Cassie Collins, will be working with our pitchers. We look for them to continue to improve as the season progresses.
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“Our goal is to back up our pitching with strong defense,” she added.
Plato welcomes back five returning starters.
Jadyne Curnutt, a Class 1 District 4 First Team catcher last season, will again be behind the plate.
“We will be looking to her for leadership,” Perryman said.
Thompson, when she’s not pitching, is a middle infielder.
“(Seirra) will be a huge asset on the infield,” Perryman said. “She has great range up the middle, and a strong arm.”
First baseman Carli Cook, an All-District First Team choice last season, is back after leading Plato with a .412 batting average.
“Carli does a great job (at) first base and her batting will help us win games,” Perryman said.
Makayla Fletcher, an All-District First Team outfielder last season, returns after hitting .362. She is transitioning from the outfield to the infield.
“Makayla will be our utility infielder,” Perryman said. “She has a great glove and can play any position in the infield. She will also play a key role in our batting lineup.”
Plato will count on Kaylee Copley to provide a big presence and influence in the outfield. She was a Class 1 All-State First Team pick as a sophomore last season.
“Kaylee is our only outfielder who will be returning to the outfield this year since Makayla is moving to the infield,” Perryman said. “With her leadership and experience, I think she will help our incoming players feel more confident in their new positions. Not only is she a great communicator in the outfield, she does an amazing job tracking down the balls and will make some big plays for us.”
At the plate, Copley is coming off a 2022 season in which she batted .408.
“Batting is a strength for her,” Perryman said. “She will make big contributions on offense.”
Perryman values her team’s unity.
“A big strength for our team is the great camaraderie and culture within our program,” she said. “These girls work together very well, pick each other up and they don’t ever give up.”
Plato will take part in a jamboree at Houston on March 13. Highlights of the Lady Eagles’ schedule are return trips to the Mountain Grove Tournament and Forsyth Tournament.
