By Chris Neyenhouse
Pleasant Hope returns five starters from a team that finished last year at 7-14 and hopes to get back to the district championship game for the first time since they won it five years ago.
The team will be relatively young with just two seniors on the squad. Pirates head coach Kevin McVey has a clear vision for his team this year.
“We always expect to be a competitive team, improving as the season progresses and playing our best for the postseason,” said McVey. “The last two years have been disappointing and we are expecting better results.”
Sophomores Maddyson Alexander and Bonnie Chapman will anchor the pitching staff. The team is still figuring out who their battery mate will be. Right now, the favorite in the battle for the catcher position is Addison Rogers, who played there last year. The rest of the infield looks like it will feature sophomore Jordyn Miner back at third base, freshman Athena Wilson at shortstop, senior Mackenzie Hamilton at second base after playing right field last year, and sophomore transfer Lily Lambeth competing with sophomore Gracie Pulley for the first base job.
As for the outfield, junior Tyelynn Hochhalter returns as the only starter. Juniors Morgan Bannister and Addison Garrison, as well as sophomores Loraine Arciniegas, Addison Rogers, and Maddyson Alexander will all have opportunities to earn playing time there.
“Defensively we have struggled the last couple of years, committing too many errors,” McVey said. “We plan on focusing on that over the next few weeks. Hopefully we can play better defense behind our young and inexperienced pitchers.”
Sophia Pearson, Athena Wilson, and Andrea Snow also figure in the mix for playing time. With the team being so young, McVey is looking forward to seeing who emerges as team leaders.
“We will look to our seniors, Mackenzie Hamilton and Sophia Pearson, to show leadership.” He said. “But we do not stop anyone from being a leader. Hard work, hustle, and a great attitude are what we expect of all of our players.”
Pleasant Hope begins play March 15 when they host Hollister.
