By Dana Harding (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
2022 proved to be a banner year for Ozark softball.
The Tigers posted a 28-8 record, falling in the Class 5 sectional round to eventual state champion Blue Springs South.
A quartet of talented graduates departed the program, including all-state pitcher Jordyn Foley, who will continue her softball career at Missouri State-West Plains this season.
Heading into his seventh year at the helm, head coach Jimmy Nimmo believes his squad is capable of taking another step.
“We know going into the 2023-2024 season that we’ll have a target on our backs,” Nimmo said. “Last season, our experience, team chemistry and senior leadership were keys to our success. Many of our players were able to experience the challenging schedule last season and that will be one of our positive factors moving forward.”
Ozark will be led by a pair of juniors this season in Natalie Morgan and Audrey Carlton.
Morgan, an all-region, all-district and all-conference catcher, hit .404 with 8 home runs and 26 runs batted in last season.
“Natalie did a great job for us last season in many ways,” Nimmo said. “She’ll be a leader on this team from behind the plate and on the offensive side. She’s had a great summer on and off the field. We will need her to put up some big numbers for us at the plate this season.”
Carlton, an all-district and all-conference outfielder, hit .336 with 6 home runs and 36 runs batted in as a sophomore.
“Audrey did exactly what I thought she would last season,” Nimmo said. “She led the outfield last year to becoming one of the best set of outfielders in the area. When she plays her best with confidence, she is a force to reckon with. She brings both power and speed to the plate – something that very few players have.”
CLICK HERE FOR LINKS TO ALL OF OUR FALL SPORTS PREVIEWS
The pair are joined by fellow returnees Courtney Merrell, Kaylee Linnebur, Kelsie Batey and Allie Muggenburg.
Merrell, a senior second baseman, hit .248 with 16 runs batted in last season.
“Courtney has high expectations for herself, as do I,” Nimmo said. “Her defensive and offensive numbers need to grow this season for us to be successful. She has a lot of potential, and we hope that she reaches every bit of it this season.”
Linnebur, a senior shortstop, returns to the lineup after missing all of 2022 due to an injury.
“Kaylee was not able to play this past season due to an ACL injury; however, as a sophomore she played a key role on our defensive front,” Nimmo said. “It will be great to have her out there this season. We are a much better team with her in the lineup.”
Batey, a junior shortstop, hit .337 with 17 runs batted in as a sophomore and received all-conference honors.
“Kelsie did a fantastic job taking over the shortstop position this last season,” Nimmo said. “She started off a bit slow, offensively, but she became one of our strongest offensive weapons as the year moved forward. Kelsie will again find herself in a key role in our lineup this season.”
Muggenburg, a senior third baseman, is also expected to step into a primary leadership position this season.
“Allie has been working extremely hard this summer on and off the field,” Nimmo said.
“Because of that, I know her numbers will improve this season. I have no doubt that she will give her 100% every second she is out there.”
Nimmo also expects a host of varsity newcomers to compete for playing time this season, including Emily Griest, Kayden Miller, Lyla Wood, Addi Lewis, Kendall McCoy and Harlow Hawkins.
In the circle, Ozark will turn to the junior McCoy as its primary option.
“Kendall had a limited number of varsity innings last season, but she’s been one of the best JV pitchers in the area for the last two seasons,” Nimmo said. “Kendall spins the ball well, and she knows how to compete.”
While the Tigers will feature a host of new faces in new spots, Nimmo believes his squad will be competitive early on as it works to find its way at the plate.
“I feel that our pitching and defense will be good enough to keep us in every game,” Nimmo said. “The key will be our offense. We will need to have good situational hitting and run the bases well this year to give ourselves the same chance of success as last year.”
Ozark opens its season Aug. 28 at home against McDonald County.
