By Chris Neyenhouse
Spokane returns three players from a team that struggled to find wins a year ago. Senior pitcher Abby Ayres and catcher Hailie Branum form a battery and the backbone of the team. Senior outfielder Lydia Gimlin is back to support them as well.
There are many spirited position battles for the other spots on the diamond.
“We have not yet defined our defense other than sophomore Callie Terrell will be playing third and sophomore Myla Farmer will be at first base,” said head coach Marlana Byrne. “We have four freshmen coming up that are going to help us out but we will just have to see the best fit for the team.”
Pitching will be a strength for the Owls thanks to the leadership from the senior in the circle.
“Senior Abby Ayres will be leading the team the majority of the time for us,” Byrne said. “Abby is a hard worker in the circle that doesn’t get flustered. She has been working on fine tuning her individual pitches. Sophomore Callie Terrell and freshman Adalyn Gimlin will be coming in as relief and for tournament days. They have been putting in time in the off-season to help the team out.”
Speed in the outfield could be a strength as well.
“Lydia has played center field in the past, and junior Linzey Colera in left field.” Byrne said. “But with the incoming freshman their positions may be switched. They will still be in the outfield, but our freshman bring a lot of speed and that will make a big impact for center field.”
Adrianna Bridges, Ilaria Corbo, Destiny Andayana, Aurelia Hammer, Kate-Lynne Hensley, Savannah Cauley, Macie Gimlin, Whitney Hardy, Payton Jones, Lydia Eakins, Myla Farmer, Linzy Colera, Lillian Johnson, Sophia Rose, Karsyn Schrock, Ariyanna Murray, and Jada Jims will also be in the mix for playing time.
Byrne believes they have the pieces in place to improve upon last year’s three-win campaign.
“I expect the season to look decent this year and improve as the season progresses,” she said. “We have many young players this year so it is going to take a little bit for them to figure out one another on the field to get a good grove going.”
Spokane begins their season at Forsyth March 15.
