By Chris Parker
Hermitage softball returns four all-conference players from last season’s 13-11 team.
Head coach Shane Salmon expects Izzy Sabala, Amparo Payne and Kaity Whiteside to be team leaders.
“All three are hard workers,” Salmon said. “Amparo plays hard and is always upbeat. Izzy is our main pitcher and is very competitive. Kaity is great team player plays third most of the time but will play wherever the team needs her also.”
Sabala earned first-team all-conference honors last season. She hit .390 with a 1.154 OPS driving in 21 runs and scoring 26 more. Payne was also a first-team all-conference selection who hit .388 with a 1.004 OPS scoring 26 runs and driving in 21. She also led the team with 12 stolen bases. Whiteside hit .326 with a .848 OPS on her way to second-team all-conference honors.
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Chloe Friedman also earned second-team all-conference honors. She returns behind the plate at catcher after hitting .352 with 16 RBI last season.
Payne and Whiteside should hold down the left side of the infield at shortstop and third base, respectively. McKenna Kobe and Mackenzie Antle will be at first and second base. Expect Hailey Harris (centerfield) and Taylor Hohmann (left field) in the outfield.
“We have been young and inexperienced the last few years but this year I have a group that has played a lot for me and know my expectations and I know what to expect from them also,” Salmon said.
Hermitage opens the season on Aug. 25-26 at the Humansville Tournament.
“I told the team this summer that I believe we should compete for a conference and district title this year,” Salmon said.
