By Chris Parker
Fordland softball is looking to build off the most successful season the program has seen in many years. Last spring, Fordland finished 15-7 overall which was the first time the program finished with a winning record since at least 2012 when MSHSAA started keeping records online. It was also the first time in that span that Fordland secured double-digit wins.
Gone from that team is a talented group of seniors, which included some of the team’s top hitters.
“We lost three .400+ hitters from last year,” Fordland head coach Joshua Smith said. “That was our strength, we could and would outhit most opponents. This year we will have to play small ball and put pressure on the defense as baserunners, find some way to get on base. That is our No. 1 priority once practice starts. Everyone in the lineup will have to contribute.”
Five starters do return for Fordland including Riley Rippee (senior), Miranda Johns (junior), Justine Justice (junior), Lillian Kindall (junior) and Britton Suter (junior).
Rippee hit .333 with 18 RBI and 15 runs scored. Johns hit .407 with a 1.011 OPS. She scored 22 runs and drove in 20 more. Justice posted a .429 on-base percentage. Kindall was the team’s top hitter with a 1.296 OPS to go with a team-high 20 RBI and 40 runs scored. She also swiped 19 bases. Suter posted a.467 on-base percentage.
Smith identified Bailey Cook (junior), Jessica Baughman (freshman) and Hailey Biehl (sophomore) as three up-and-coming players to watch.
Justice and Johns will handle the pitching duties with the duo also catching along with Baughman.
“My pitchers have been putting in extra work over the winter,” Smith said. “They both work very hard and want to be better than last year. Both have increased the velocity and accuracy of their pitches.”
The defense behind the pitchers will be strong for Fordland.
“Fielding will be our biggest strength,” Smith said. “We had a very strong infield/outfield/catcher last year. I will have most of that back this year.”
Cook and Baughman will play first base. Justice, Baughman and Suter will each find time at both second and third base. Kindall will play shortstop. Rippee and Biehl will be two of the key outfielders.
Fordland opens the season on Mar. 19 at Dora.
