By Pat Dailey (For OzarkSportsZone.com)
Stockton closed out its regular-season schedule with seven straight wins last year and coach Daniel Roberts thinks the Lady Tigers can be strong to the finish again.
Roberts is hopeful Stockton’s competition for playing time will trigger improvement over the course of the spring. He likes the combination of veterans and youth he will have to call upon.
“Our returning players, our incoming freshmen and our new players should provide a very competitive atmosphere during practice and for vying for playing positions,” Roberts said. “The depth of returning players and the depth of incoming freshmen and new players is something we feel will be a strength for our team.”
Stockton features a pair of pitchers who already have proven themselves at the varsity level in senior Kyndell Roy and sophomore Ellie Pettit
“Kyndell has really worked hard to improve her accuracy and pitch variation,” Roberts said. “We have Ellie returning. Last year, she pitched 38 innings and had a record of 4-2. Also, freshman Raelynn Henderson pitched most of the games (for our junior high team) during her eighth-grade campaign.
“Our hopes are that each of these athletes keep improving and are ready to compete at a high level when they are called upon,” he added.
Stockton’s infield will feature veterans in Kyndell Roy, Kamryn Roy, Abbie Kiley and Ellie Pettit.
Kamryn Roy’s 18 run scored last season tied for the team high. She batted .353. Pettit had a .358 on-base percentage that helped her scored 12 runs. Kiley had nine walks while posting a .365 on-base percentage.
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Ellie Flora is back at catcher, after batting .311 last season with nine doubles among her 20 hits. She established herself behind the plate as a leader and catcher who was hard to steal against.
“Ellie did a great job at directing traffic and slowing down opposing teams’ base runners,” Roberts said.
Stockton also has returnees in outfielders Vella Crawford, Riley Graves, Nataleigh Brummett and Frankie Underwood.
Graves was a big run-produced while batting .368 last season. She scored 18 runs and had 15 RBIs.
Graves, Flora and Kamryn Roy were each named to the All-Southwest Conference Second Team.
“Many of our players have years of varsity-level playing experience to rely on during game situations,” Roberts said.
Roberts wants a winning record and more.
“Last season, (our) record was 14-6 and we hope to improve upon that and compete for post season playing rights,” he said. “This year’s team has the ability to improve upon past successes. But every day and every game is no gimme, so the ability to maintain focus and discipline will be tested in every outing.”
Stockton will get things started by opening at the Strafford Tournament.
