By Pat Dailey (For OzarkSportsZone.com)
Purdy outscored its opponents on average by a full seven runs a game while putting up a norm of 10.2 runs a contest and sporting a .360 team batting average.
Coach Lori Videmschek expects more of the same and then some from the Lady Eagles this season.
“Offensively, we can be dangerous,” Videmschek said. “We have a lot of power and speed on the bases. With more depth in our lineup, we should be able to score a lot of runs.
“One thing we need to get better at is being more consistent with runners in scoring position,” she added. “I feel that we can get runners on and move them with a bunt and anyone in our lineup can come up with a big hit. We will be able to put the ball in play, run the bases (and) cause teams to commit errors.”
As high as hopes are for Purdy’s offense, the Lady Eagles have just as high of expectations for their defense.
Pitcher Gabriela Groomer returns after being dominant and earning a Class 1 All-State First-Team selection last season. She collected 205 strikeouts in 99 innings while posting a 1.20 ERA.
Brooklyn Bunch will also see time in the center circle.
“Gabriela and Brooklynn will be sharing the pitching duties this year,” Videmschek said.
Purdy’s lineup will be led a trio of seniors in center fielder Jessi Hoppes, second baseman Rylee Stanford and first baseman Raeley Henderson. They were freshmen when Purdy won a state championship in 2021.
“They know what needs to be done to get a chance to play at the final four,” Videmschek said. “I am excited to see the leadership that these three will bring to our team.”
Hoppes was a Class 1 All-State First-Team choice last year, after the leadoff hitter finished with a .413 batting average, three home runs, 30 RBIs and 22 stolen bases.
“I expect big things from Jessi this year,” Videmschek said. “Jessi is the one that gets us going.”
Stanford posted a .429 batting mark, to go along with 33 RBIs and 13 stolen bases last season.
“Very competitive, very quick on the bases and a singles and doubles hitter,” Videmschek said of Stanford. “I expect her to continue to do what she does and have an exciting year for us.”
Henderson will be moving from the outfield to first base. She is coming off a .372 junior season that was highlighted by her 45 RBIs.
“Raeley started putting things together in the middle of the season,” Videmschek said. “She developed as a very good hitter and continued to get better in the off-season.”
Purdy also features a proven standout in junior shortstop Rosa Schad. She hit .393 with 28 RBIs last season.
Bunch, Lauren Brooks and Zoey Webb will serve as utility types.
“Brooklynn and Zoey give us a lot of versatility in the infield and outfield,” Videmschek said. “Zoey will be in the outfield when not catching. Brooklynn, when not pitching, will play third base. Lauren will play third when she is not catching for us.”
Videmschek added Brooks and Webb will give Purdy a formidable duo at catcher.
“Lauren brings a lot of power to the plate,” she said. “I’m excited to see what she can do behind the plate as well. Zoey does a great job putting the ball in play.”
Joining Hoppes in the outfield are Courtney Patterson, Bunch, Webb and Kiersten Postlewait.
“Courtney did a great job for us last year as a freshman,” Videmschek said. “I expect her to come in and step right in where she was last year. She improved so much last year at the plate and in the outfield.”
Purdy, which was 24-10 last season, has its sights set high.
“I feel that if we can stay healthy we have a chance to win a district and a conference championship,” Videmschek said. “Staying humble and working hard is so important. We are hungry and ready to go.”
Purdy will also host the Joplin Area Tournament and take part in tourneys at Mt. Vernon and Ash Grove, as well as the SWCL Tournament at Spokane.
