By Chris Parker
Pierce City softball will be under the guidance of a new head coach in Ragan Blinzler this season. She is very familiar with the program as a graduate of Pierce City and a former assistant on staff.
“There is a high level of investment in this program for me,” Blinzler said. “I grew up watching Pierce City softball games and spent some time on the field myself. The program has seen some incredible coaches like Kacy Whitely, Beth Jordan, and Bobby Stackhouse. I was able to learn a lot under those three as a player and assistant and hope to continue the Pierce City Lady Eagles Softball legacy with this group of girls.”
Pierce City pride will be at the center of the identity of the softball team.
“We hope to instill an identity of pride,” Blinzler said. “There has been a lot of work that has gone into where our girls are at in their softball game. Members all over our community have offered words of support, coached them when they were little, etc., not to mention what the players have already put in themselves. Our girls need to have pride in the work that has been put in and utilize it to motivate them going into this season.”
Blinzler has a strong core to lean on in her first season. Seven starters return from last season’s 17-win team.
Julie Lowe returns to the team after earning first-team all-conference honors at catcher last season. She hit .487 with a 1.349 OPS driving in 31 runs and scoring 24.
“Julie has put in a lot of time behind the plate whether it be at camps or as she played travel softball. Being on behind the plate requires a player to be punched in at all times. Owning that responsibility says a lot about a person,” Blinzler said. “There are a lot of uncertainties in softball whether it has to do with the weather, scheduling conflicts, or anything else that pops up. Being able to have someone that you know can do their job on the field provides a sense of certainty.”
Lowe may see time at other positions this season depending on how the roster shakes out. Senior Jillian Mack could also see time at catcher.
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Hailey Gripka is a second returning first-team all-conference player. She earned her honor as an infielder. Last season, Gripka hit .397 with a 1.128 OPS scoring 24 runs and driving in 24 more.
“Hailey is an athlete who holds herself to the highest standard and plays with an unmatched intensity. She looks to do her best in all matters,” Blinzler said. “I look forward to seeing how Hailey interacts with her teammates and leads. She is equipped to make a big difference in our program.”
Pitching duties will fall to seniors Olivia Stanphill and Claudia Crowell.
“Olivia has a lot of natural talent when it comes to her pitching. She is a competitor that will not go down without a fight,” Blinzler said. “Claudia has exhibited an enormous amount of growth since she started pitching. She will get paid this season for the work she has put into bettering all of her pitches.”
Stanphill brings a strong bat as well hitting .339 with a .406 on-base percentage last season. Crowell scored 19 runs and drove in 18 more on the strength of a .427 on-base percentage.
The infield will feature Mack, Stanphill and Atley Kleinman (senior) with some underclassmen in the mix as well.
Senior Trinity Witt, Crowell and junior Abby O’Hara will see time in the outfield along with potentially some underclassmen.
“Experience is a key factor in the game of softball,” Blinzler said. “It brings confidence at the plate or in the field. With seven returners, I am expecting that it will help us in the tight situations that are bound to happen. Additionally, the younger players will be able to build off of the returners and learn from them as we move through the season.”
Pierce City will focus on the details this season.
“Our main focus going into the season is taking care of the little things that add up to big things,” Blinzler said. “Softball is such a quick and short game. Inches can separate whether a ball is foul while milliseconds determine if a person is safe or out. Keying in on the details will allow our team to find success in high stress situations.”
Pierce City opens the season Mar. 17-18 at the Purdy Tournament.
“Overall, I expect great things from this group on and off the field,” Blinzler said. “Their softball skills and experience set them apart from other teams this early in the season, but their character is where they truly shine. They are an incredible group of individuals who make me a better person just by being around them.”
