By Michael Cignoli (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Mike Kenslow’s second year as the West Plains softball coach is beginning much like the first, as the Zizzers must find a way to replace several difference-makers.
Last year’s team embraced the opportunity and finished the season 19-13, a six-win improvement from the 2021 campaign. The Zizzers hope to continue that trajectory this fall.
“Last year, we knew that we had graduated some very key players from the season before and those positions would be hard to fill,” Kenslow said. “At the beginning of last summer, I was unsure who would be filling those roles. As our season drew nearer, we had tried several different people at these positions and narrowed it down to who was going to take over. They did just that. We had some younger girls step up and take charge and they did a great job for us all season long.”
Even though the Zizzers are returning five starters, they are once again looking for immediate contributions from the varsity newcomers who will be competing for four positions previously held by the Class of 2023.
“I’m anxious to see how the young girls step up this season and take control of the positions we graduated last season,” Kenslow said. “They have some big shoes to fill, but I’m confident they’ll get the job done.”
While changes are aplenty in the field, the West Plains battery remains the same. Senior pitcher Allyssa Joyner and catcher Baleigh Miller are both returning after earning spots on the all-conference and all-district teams.
Joyner is also an all-region honoree who has starred for the Zizzers since her freshman year.
West Plains has allowed fewer and fewer runs in each of those seasons, going from five during Joyner’s debut year to 3.6 during her junior campaign.
“I think her numbers from her previous years speak for themself,” Kenslow said. “We pretty much know what we’re going to get from her every time she steps in the circle. She’s a gamer and is going to bring it every time she’s out there. The confidence that she gives her teammates is incredible. You can see it in their performance just knowing they have her leading the way.”
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Miller took over the starting job last season and blossomed into another team leader.
“Baleigh came in last season knowing she had some very large shoes to fill after our catcher Emmy Howell graduated,” Kenslow said. “Emmy was a standout player and was very solid behind the plate. Baleigh stepped up to the challenge and worked extremely hard. She has progressed every year since and has developed into a great catcher and a great leader. Allyssa and Baleigh make a great team and I can’t wait to watch them work together one more time as they strive to lead their team to another successful season.”
Infielders Emma Worsham and Audra Willard are also back after standout seasons, with Willard earning a spot on the all-district team.
“They were both varsity starters last season,” Kenslow said. “They are solid defensive players who are known to come through with those timely hits in key situations.”
Worsham is expected to move from second base to shortstop, one of several defensive adjustments for the Zizzers. The club is also looking to replace two outfielders and its first baseman.
“We are trying several different girls in those four positions and will continue to do so until we find the right fit,” Kenslow said. “I’m confident we have the talent to do so and will be ready to go by our season opener.”
A few Zizzers have been particularly impressive in their new positions, and could lock down the starting jobs by opening day.
After serving as the backup catcher last fall, Riley Dawson has excelled in centerfield.
“Riley has great speed and can cover a lot of ground in the outfield,” Kenslow said. “I think she’ll be able to get to a lot of balls in the gaps and take away a lot of extra-base hits.”
Sophomore Shelby Hutchings, who played outfield last year, is poised to move to first base.
“Shelby is one of those versatile players who can play anywhere on the field,” Kenslow said. “She will most likely be our backup pitcher behind Allyssa, so she’ll get a few innings in the circle as well.”
Varsity newcomer McKrae Brewer has also impressed Kenslow in the outfield.
“McKrae has worked super hard in the off-season and this summer trying to earn her a spot on varsity,” Kenslow said. “She is settling in at right field and doing well.”
Junior Brianna Johnson will give the Zizzers a third option in the circle — and the trio will have plenty of guidance from the team’s coaching staff.
Former Zizzer softball pitcher Karsyn Smith and baseball pitcher Bobby Bevel have signed on as assistant coaches. Smith went on to play collegiately at Drury, while Bevel had a lengthy minor-league career and was recently inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame.
“We are very blessed to have both of them on staff and I look forward to not only what they bring to the team and program, but what I can learn from both of them,” Kenslow said. “Right now, we’re just trying to learn each other and their coaching styles and put it all together to make this a fun and productive season.”
The Zizzers will kick off that season at the Marion C. Early Tournament on August 25.
Their first home game is set for August 29 against Ozark Conference foe Glendale.
