By Chris Parker (For OzarkSportsZone.com)
Cabool softball will have six returning players this season backed up by a large freshman class looking to improve on a three-win season from a year ago.
Senior Bailey Aaron will be the team leader for a relatively young Lady Bulldogs team.
“Bailey has been with the program all four years,” Cabool head coach Sharon Monter said.
“She is a standout centerfielder who has earned SCA as well as district honors. She had to wear a lot of different hats for us last year. She was a shortstop, centerfielder and catcher. This year she will return to the outfield. Bailey’s attitude is contagious. She has a big personality and a lot of experience that she brings to her teammates. I am looking forward to seeing Bailey continue her success this year.”
Junior Kaitlin Romans is a returning letterwinner who will move from the outfield to shortstop this season.
“Kaitlin has been working hard in the offseason, and I feel she will be a good addition to the infield,” Monter said.
Cambree Woodard earned a letter as a freshman last season. She will return to first base.
“Cambree really stepped up as a freshman last year,” Monter said. “She was solid at first base and her bat was also an asset. I look forward to having her back and I expect to see her grow and become more confident now that she has a year under her belt.”
This group of returning players will be backed up by an 11-player freshman class.
“This year we have 11 incoming freshmen,” Monter said. “I am excited for this group, and they are very talented. What they lack in experience they make up for in dedication. I know that we have a long way to go, but I look forward to seeing this team grow and become successful.”
Bristol McCall will be one of those freshmen with a big role handling the pitching duties.
“She (McCall) is a skilled pitcher who has experience but will have an uphill battle this year,” Monter said. “She is softball savvy and will be a good leader on the mound. She also will be in the top four of the batting order.”
Woodard and sophomore Emily Mayberry will also see time pitching.
Overall, numbers are strong for Cabool softball in anticipation of its opening tournament at home on Mar. 16.
“We currently have 19 girls going out for softball,” Monter said. “I think once again we will be one of the younger, less experienced teams but we will hold our own. I have high expectations of this team and I know through hard work and play time these girls will prove that they can be successful.”
