By Pat Dailey (For OzarkSportsZone.com)
Taking a closer look at Monett’s 8-23 record a year ago, there’s plenty of reasons to think the Lady Cubs could be on the verge of quite a turnaround this time around.
Monett was no pushover a year ago, as some of the top programs in southwest Missouri could attest. The Lady Cubs beat a 16-win Cassville team and narrowly missed out on what would have been breakout upsets against COC champion Ozark, Nixa, McDonald County and Kickapoo.
Monett fell 2-0 to McDonald County at Districts.
“I think the girls took a lot away from that game, plus other competitive games we had against Ozark, Nixa and Kickapoo,” Monett coach Claire Head said. “We learned how mistakes have to be minimized in those close games where the stakes are high.
“My hope for this fall is for us to take that next step forward as a program,” she added. “We have built a solid foundation and both the coaches and players know the expectations. There were a lot of close games that could have gone our way last year and now we need to bring that consistency every day to win those tight games.”
Pitcher Kilee Wilson returns after gaining valuable experience as a freshman. The respect she earned from opposing dugouts was evident by her selection to the Class 4 District 7 First Team.
“She kept us in a lot of games and gave us a fair chance to win in every game,” Head said. “She went toe to toe with some of the best pitchers in the area, which I think really shows a lot about her potential. She will be a great asset to the team once again this year.”
Backing up Wilson is an outfield that showed exceptional range last year and is back virtually intact.
“Our outfield will be pretty similar to last year, if not even faster,” Head said.
Outfielder Maddie Mettlach returns after a junior season in which she was also named to the Class 4 District 7 First Team.
“She was one of our best hitters last season,” Head said. “She grew tremendously through the season and I expect her, too, this year, as well.
Monett’s average of 4.3 run a game last season marked the program’s lowest scoring output in 13 years. The Lady Cubs were shut out seven times.
Head is counting on the offense to be better.
“Offense was an area where we struggled at times last year,” Head said. “We have focused and improved in that area this summer and plan to continue that this fall. We have added some freshmen and a junior that will be very helpful to our lineup.”
With this being Head’s second season at Monett, she feels good about the bonds she and her players have established.
“What I’ve found is that relationships are very important and the first year you are building them from the ground up,” she said. “It takes time. This year feels completely different because those relationships have been built and they know my expectations.”
Monett will take part in a jamboree Aug. 18 at Webb City.
