By Chris Neyenhouse
Exeter is locked and loaded with seven returners from a team that went 15-8 last year. It was their fourth straight winning season.
Tigers head coach Ashley Fly will be relying on her two seniors to set the pace.
Catcher Natalie Crumpler will once again handle a young pitching staff that features junior Dawnee Sorensen, sophomore Zeanndrea Brown, and freshman Lily Stevenson.
“All three pitchers will bring something different to the mound,” said Fly. “They all have strengths we will rely on whether it be their speed and movement or the variety of pitches each of them bring to the mound. All three pitchers will be big part of our success this season.”
Fellow senior Ali Daniels-Arivett is a utility player who the team will lean on heavily.
“We will look to our two seniors and our junior class to be leaders this season,” Fly said. “Natalie and Ali have been a part of our success and know what it will take to get us back on track to achieve the goals they set for their team. Natalie and Ali have been a part of the program for the past three years want to leave a legacy when they are done. The junior class knows what it takes to win like Natalie and Ali, they will be a big asset to help get the younger kids on board and working together toward the team goals.”
That junior class includes Sorensen, Hallie Woods, Abby Lemons, and Gracie McCracken. Sophomore Shea Hilburn and freshmen Stevenson, Gizelle Lee, Whitney Beck, and Jaylee Hawkins will also be in the mix for starting spots around the infield.
In the outfield juniors Karlee Willis, Kaylyn Weister, as well as Hawkins, Woods and McCracken will all figure into the mix.
“Our team will have to improve on learning to believe in themselves and each other,” Fly said. “We have athletic ability. Just putting the pieces together will need improvement.”
Jazzmin Thompson, Aubree Wilmoth, Kahlen Fuller, Abby Lemons and Shyanne Wyatt will also be in the mix for playing time.
“We expect our junior and sophomore class to come up with big plays in key situations,” Fly said. “But we will rely on our younger ladies to step up and help produce at the plate and on the field. Our goal at Exeter is to keep improving every day and focus on the little things we can improve every day. This group of girls has high expectations for themselves, their school, and their program.”
Exeter hosts Southwest to start the season March 18.
