By Chris Parker
Fair Grove softball posted an 11-9 record last season, which was the first winning spring record since 2018 for the program. The Eagles expect much more this season with eight starters returning.
Four seniors will be at the head of the team this season.
“Our core leaders going into this season are our four seniors. Going into the offseason, we had a meeting and discussed what each of them bring to our team and how they can continue to grow as leaders during their last season in our program,” Fair Grove head coach Tara Whetzell said. “Jaleah McDannald (senior pitcher) sets the tone for us in our program. She leads the way in the circle and demands hard work, and resilience from her teammates. Jena Scaletty (senior pitcher/outfielder) leads our team with positivity and grit. Taylor Rode (senior first base) brings our team together with her calm demeanor at first base. Hannah Morris (senior) has been crucial in creating our team culture and getting the freshman involved this offseason. These four young ladies have been the backbone of our team culture since they were freshmen and I owe the amount of teamwork and family atmosphere to them.”
McDannald was 10-8 last season with a 1.70 ERA. She has committed to play collegiately at Labette County CC in Parsons, Kan. Scaletty and freshman Addyson Nunley are also in the mix to see innings at pitcher.
Brooke Daniels will be the catcher.
“She (Daniels) was a young addition behind the plate last season who learned a lot, and will continue to help our pitchers control games this season,” Whetzell said.
Rode (first base), Minna Morris (junior second base), Gracie Chastain (sophomore shortstop) and Shayla Haddock (freshman third base) will be the lineup around the infield.
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Scaletty, Faith Klindworth (junior) and Ashton Bell (sophomore) are returning starters in the outfield.
“Faith Klindworth was a young outstanding defensive player who came on strong offensively last season that will continue to develop and push our younger players this season,” Whetzell said. “Scaletty and Bell bring quality attributes to us defensively and will push the competition in the outfield this season.”
Defense will be a strength for the 2023 Fair Grove softball team while offense will be something the team develops.
“Our strengths this season will build off of last season’s defensive strengths. We were tough in the circle, we played for one another, and we hustled. We play the game right by hustling on and off the field, beating teams to foul balls, and taking pride in what we do,” Whetzell said. “We have to score. When we lost last season, it was because we couldn’t get runs in.”
Fair Grove opens the season on Mar. 18 at the Strafford Tournament.
“The identity of our team is to continue to play for one another, be defensively sound, be able to score with runners in scoring position, and be tough in all situations,” Whetzell said.
