By Pat Dailey (For OzarkSportsZone.com)
Ava’s second season playing spring ball saw the Lady Bears make a post-season run that included a Class 2 District championship and a Class 2 State Tournament berth.
A handful of starters are returning from a year ago and will try to help the Lady Bears make another run as a state tourney trip.
“We will strive to carry on with good play,” said coach Rex Sawyer, who is in his 37th year at Ava.
The Lady Bears will have veterans up the middle of their defense. Returning starters include first baseman Lilli Honeycutt, second baseman Dailyn Stanifer, shortstop Paris Henry, pitcher Hunter Strunk and center fielder Hannah Forrest.
Strunk was an All-South Central Association Second-Team selection as a sophomore last season behind teammate Sara Mendel, who was an All-SCA First-Team choice.
Henry provides the Lady Bears depth in the center circle.
“Hunter will be our number one (pitcher),” Sawyer said. “Paris will be number two. Both are very competitive.”
Honeycutt was an All-South Central Association First-Team pick at first base as a junior last season. Stanifer and Henry received honorable mention recognition.
Joining Honeycutt, Stanifer and Henry in the infield at third base will be Myley Jones or Abby Fortner.
“(They) are battling for this position,” Sawyer said.
Forrest will be flanked in the outfield by Autumn Cudworth, Matilynn Goss and Rylee Light.
Cudworth and Fortner are both freshmen.
Ava averaged 9.6 and 8.8 runs a game the last two seasons and Sawyer feels the Lady Bears have the bats to continue at the same pace.
“Honeycutt, Stanifer and Henry will bring experience to the plate,” Saywer said.
The Lady Bears’ tournament trail will see them make trips to Mountain Grove, Pleasant Hope and Buffalo. They will open their season March 18 at Clever.
