By Dana Harding (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
2023 proved to be a breakthrough season for Webb City softball.
The Cardinals posted a 26-12 record, falling to Nevada in a thrilling, extra-innings district final.
“It was a hard fought game with great pitching, defensive plays and key hits from both teams,” head coach Shauna Friend said of the district championship matchup. “We will return most of our team, and I think we gained a lot of experience in pressure situations.”
Heading into her tenth season at the helm, Friend will rely on a talented group of returnees to continue the push for postseason success.
Third baseman Alex Maturino hit .396 last season to lead the team with 10 home runs and 42 runs batted in.
Second baseman Lily Hall recorded 25 runs batted in last season at the plate. In the field, she fielded at a .962 clip and turned 10 double plays.
Shortstop Abby Sargent hit .331 as a freshman, leading the team with 32 singles and 45 runs scored. Sargent also recorded a .962 fielding average.
Karsyn Cahoon hit .392 and notched 26 runs batted in last season.
Addie Burns, Kenzie Wynn and Laney Taylor all pitched over 50 innings for the Cardinals, and all three made significant contributions during the season. Burns led the staff with 59 strikeouts, Wynn had the lowest earned run average at 3.88, and Taylor recorded the most wins at 12.
Liz Rhuems also returns to the lineup after missing the 2023 season due to a knee injury. During her freshman season, Rhuems posted team-leading marks in batting average, singles, doubles, triples and runs batted in.
“We have high expectations for this year’s team success with goals of continuing deep into the postseason,” Friend said. “I believe our biggest strength is depth. We have a lot of talented players that will be pushing each other to get better every day in practice and a lot of competition for positions and spots in the batting order.”
In the circle, Webb City’s staff will be blessed with both depth and experience this season.
“We currently have ten players that pitch well and have a lot of experience,” Friend said. “Most of them have other fielding positions, as well, but will find innings in the circle. Addie Burns became a prominent pitcher as a freshman last year and finished the season strong.”
For the Cardinals to make a postseason run, Friend believes experience and chemistry will play significant roles throughout the season.
“I like that we are coming into this season with a lot of experience,” Friend said. “Two years ago we started 5-7 underclassmen with no varsity experience. This year nearly every player will have varsity experience. The key to this season will be team unity.”
Following an Aug. 23 jamboree at Monett, Webb City opens its season Sep. 3 at home against Nixa.
