By Chris Parker
Dadeville softball won seven games last season, which was the most for the program since winning eight in 2014.
The Lady Bearcats could be poised for a big step forward this season with nine starters returning and a strong group of new players entering the program.
“I believe this group is ready to put up a winning season and compete for conference and tournament championships,” Dadeville head coach Brent Rountree said.
Sophomore Emma Sayers and freshman Katelyn Holman will be in the circle throwing to Charlie Toler (freshman) behind the plate.
On the infield, junior Laurynn Sinclair returns at third base. Shortstop could be a platoon between Claire Mitchell (junior) and transfer Katelyn Chism (junior). Chism along with Eden Black (senior), Avery Kelly (sophomore) and Claire McGee (freshman) are candidates at second base. Morgan Miller (senior) and Mitchell will see time at first base with Mady Cornelison (junior) as a possible backup.
The outfield could have many different looks featuring Kelly, Black, Chism or Sykora Burks (sophomore) in center. The corner outfield spots could see McGee, Addyson Buck, Burks, Addi McNerney, Cornelison or Addison Orr.
“I believe our offense will be as strong as it’s been in a long time with the ability to score runs in bunches or use situational hitting to produce runs,” Rountree said. “We will need to shore up our defensive play and stay away from multiple errors. Not necessarily multiple errors in a game but rather errors that lead to one big inning for our opponent.”
Dadeville opens the regular season Aug. 30-31 at the Humansville Tournament.
