By Chris Parker
Weaubleau softball is poised for a big season with all but one starter returning from last season’s 13-win district championship team.
“We have all of our starters returning except our center fielder; we have lots of game experience,” Weaubleau head coach Sue Ginnings said. “This group has a no-quit attitude. They won several games last season that they weren’t favored to even when they were down, they kept competing.”
Seniors Jaylee Daggett, Sutton Mitchell and Tayler Ashlock will be team leaders.
“All three of these girls have been all-district or all-conference during their career. They have played in some big, tough games, so they offer experience, game knowledge and are strong on both the defensive and offensive side of the game,” Ginnings said. “These three girls have played together their whole lives and have been starters from their freshman year. Each one of them have continued to work on their game , they have great work ethic and set good examples for the underclass men on how to be competitors.”
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Daggett will be behind the plate at catcher coming off a second-team all-state selection last season. She hit .532 with a 1.399 OPS with 33 RBI and 31 runs scored including six triples and 10 doubles.
Mitchell will be at shortstop. She was first-team all-conference as a junior and returns with a 1.224 OPS with a team-high 39 RBI and 41 runs scored.
Ashlock will hold down third base. She posted a .512 on-base percentage with 25 runs and 15 RBI.
Kali Anderson will handle the pitching duties once again after throwing 110.2 innings with 80 strikeouts last season. Mariah Ball (senior second baseman) and Delaney Welch (junior first baseman) will round out the infield lineup.
Julianna Hensley (junior right field) and Sophia Weaver (sophomore centerfield) will be in the outfield.
The team is experienced overall, but a seven-player freshman class will push for playing time.
“We will rely on some incoming freshmen to step up to fill in some areas,” Ginnings said. “Getting them playing time will be essential for us competing in the postseason.”
Weaubleau will open the season Aug. 25-26 at the Humansville Tournament.
“With our large upperclassmen and game experience, we should be able to compete with most of our opponents on our schedule,” Ginnings said. “I look for us to be one of the top teams in the conference.”
