By Pat Dailey (For OzarkSportsZone.com)
Marshfield’s mix of veterans and youth is headlined by a pair of pitchers who combined for 17 wins and 183 strikeouts a year ago.
Senior Kennedy Ross and sophomore Kendyl Doland return after helping the Lady Jays reach the 20-win mark and finish 25-11 last season. They were Class 4 District 6 runners-up.
Ross and Dolan split Marshfield’s pitching duties, with Ross compiling a 9-5 W-L record, 3.12 ERA, 82 strikeouts and eight walks over 89.2 innings and Dolan posting a 8-4 mark, 2.49 ERA, 101 strikeouts and 54 walks over 81.2 innings.
“Kennedy and Kendyl have worked hard over the summer, honing their skills and expanding their repertoire of pitches,” coach James McAnarney said. “Ross and Dolan are expected to be formidable in the circle. Kennedy also helps in the outfield and Kendyl plays third.”
Dolan and Ross help themselves out at the plate. Last year, Dolan batted .462 with 16 doubles and 32 RBIs, while Ross hit .342.
Altogether, Marshfield welcomes back six players who started as sophomores or freshmen last season.
“We are gearing up with excitement,” McAnarney said. “There will be a lot of talent returning to the team, as three freshmen and three sophomores who started last year will bring valuable experience and growth to the field. Our team will be a blend of experienced players and promising newcomers. The team is ready to step up (and) poised for a competitive year.
“I feel this year promises to be a fun season, with each game offering our athletes opportunities to shine and the team to become closer,” he added. “Our lineup possesses a good mixture of seasoned experience and young talent, setting the stage for a good competitive season. Leading the charge are our veteran hitters who have been instrumental in our past successes.”
Marshfield’s infield will also feature juniors Taryn Mohn, Gabby Austin, senior Audrey Odell, sophomores Carlynn Mynott and Bentley Replogle and freshman Miley Austin.
Austin is fresh from hitting .357 a year ago with eight home runs and 28 RBIs, while Mohn batted .310 with a .458 on-base percentage that included 17 walks.
“(Our) infield will showcase a combination of seasoned and incoming players,” McAnarney said. “Gabby transitions from the outfield to the infield, providing versatility. Audrey is set to take on third base or shortstop responsibilities, bringing her experience and leadership.”
Sophomore catcher Madelynn Beckner hit .323 as a freshman.
“Beckner’s experience from last year will be invaluable in guiding the infield and handling the pitching staff,” McAnarney said.
The outfield includes junior Chloe Bateman, sophomore Sophie Hall and junior Shelby Smith.
Bateman was named Class 3 All-State Second-Team after banging out 48 hits and finishing with a .424 batting average last season. Of her 17 extra-base hits, five were triples and seven were home runs. She accounted for 58 runs by collecting 36 RBIs and scoring 22 runs.
“Her leadership and skill will be essential in maintaining the outfield’s stability,” McAnarney said.
Newcomers to the Lady Jays also include sophomores McKenna Cologna and Paris Peacock.
McAnarney has been happy with what he has seen of his players during the pre-season.
“I am looking to emphasize the importance of consistency and communication, especially within the infield,” McAnarney said. “The commitment of the players to these goals has been evident this summer. We’re building on last year’s experience and focusing on teamwork and fundamentals. The girls have shown incredible dedication during the off-season, and I’m excited to see how that translates onto the field.”
Marshfield will be among the favorites to contend for a title in the newly-formed Ozark Mountain Conference. The inaugural Ozark Mountain Conference Tournament will be held at Branson Sept. 6-7.
“(Our) familiarity with game situations and ability to remain composed under pressure will be important as we play new conference opponents,” McAnarney said. “With their expertise, we have a solid foundation to build upon.”
Marshfield will jamboree at Sedalia Smith-Cotton on Aug. 27.
