By Pat Dailey (For OzarkSportsZone.com)
The left side of Forsyth’s infield features rising stars in seniors Emmy Blevins and Kloe Hendrickson who figure to have much to do with the Lady Panthers’ fortunes this season.
Blevins, who has committed to Williams Woods, returns at third base. She hit .349 with 18 RBIs and 15 runs scored last season
“We are super excited about Emmy’s senior year,” Walls said. “More than her stats, Emmy is a high character person. The coaches at William Woods noticed that immediately. As far as her season, we are expecting big things from her. She should be somewhere in the (Nos.) 3, 4 or 5 spots and will have added opportunities to drive in runs for us.”
Kloe Hendrickson will make a unique move by going from right field to shortstop, along with some spot starts in the center circle. She’s coming off a .312 junior campaign.
“I think Kloe will act as our motor,” Walls said. “She is very competitive and works extremely hard. She will slot into the middle of our order and be a big run producer. In addition, she worked hard this offseason on her pitching. We are hoping she can eat a few more innings this season to keep Lindsey (Essary) fresh late in the year.”
Essary posted a 12-6 W-L record with a 2.31 ERA during her sophomore season a year ago. She was named to the Mid-Lakes Conference First Team.
“I think Lindsey’s sophomore year was extremely successful,” Walls said. “We try to schedule as many tough teams as possible, and Lindsey rose to the challenge. If I’m not mistaken, she was the only pitcher in the state to beat (Class 2 state champion) Diamond and (Class 2 state runner-up) Skyline.
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“Lindsey learned what it takes to compete at a high-level day in and day out. I think that will benefit her greatly as this season unfolds,” he added. “She has worked to add a couple of new pitches to her repertoire and is very good at hitting her spots.”
Essary’s bat should again provide power. She hit .333 and topped Forsyth with four homers and 30 RBIs last season.
Essary will be throwing to a new catcher, whether it’s Zoe White or Katelynn Von Deck.
“Both are very athletic and can play multiple spots,” Walls said.
White offers Walls versatility defensively.
“She roamed left field for us last year,” Walls said. “She can play just about anywhere, so we are excited to have her athleticism on the field.”
Von Deck moved to Forsyth from Florida and also will give Walls options defensively.
“She brings a wealth of softball experience,” Walls said. “She will compete for the starting catcher position but can play just about anywhere.”
Returning starters also include outfielders Kenzie Calhoun and Savannah Koen. Calhoun batted .333 with 25 runs scored en route to being named to the Mid-Lakes First Team last season, while Koen hit .300.
“Kenzie has incredible speed,” Walls said. “I see her probably leading off. Savannah made huge strides last year. We are expecting big things from her.”
Lilia Roberts will take over at first base, after batting .250 with 15 RBIs as a freshman.
“She has very good raw power,” Walls said.
Walls is optimistic about the immediate impact Lauren Turner can make.
“Lauren will be our top freshman to watch,” he said. “She will look to potentially fill one of our infield spots. She will also see some time in the circle. We are extremely excited about her potential to be a big-time pitcher for us.”
Anna Cardwell is coming back from a broken ankle that forced her to miss all of last season.
Overall, Walls likes the talent he has to work with.
“I think our experience and athleticism will help us tremendously,” he said. “Our success will depend on how well we can adapt game in and game out.”
Walls will be hoping the Lady Panthers’ progress is triggered by more reps during games and less during practices. He took advantage of MSHSAA allowing teams to expand their schedule to as many as 36 games.
Last season, Forsyth played 22 regular-season contests and two post-season games.
“We maxed out our schedule, which means that we will have to fix problems on the fly,” Walls said. “We will need to make sure we are physically conditioned enough to endure a tough schedule. We have not backed down from anyone. We added Sparta, Morrisville, and Harrison, Arkansas, to an already tough schedule.
“More than anything, we want to play some meaningful games in May,” he added. “I believe we will have an opportunity to do that.”
