By Chris Parker
Weaubleau returns 10 players from last season’s 19-win team.
Even though 10 players return, the Tigers will still have a new look with all but three players in new positions this season.
“With 10 returning players only three of them will be in the same positions that they were in last season,” Weaubleau head coach Sue Ginnings said. “So, the majority of the team has new roles and responsibilities. They all did a great job this summer working into those new positions.”
Senior Kali Anderson and junior Sophia Weaver will be the battery at pitcher and catcher, respectively. Anderson thew 145.2 innings with 95 strikeouts and a 2.40 ERA last season. Weaver hit .276 with three triples, 19 runs scored and eight RBI.
Delaney Welch (senior) will be at first base with sophomore Masyn Ashlock at shortstop. Senior Julianna Hensley will move from right field to center with junior Kylie Richards in left field. Welch hit .326 with an OPS of .891. She knocked five doubles and four triples on her way to 20 RBI. Ashlock is the team’s top returning hitter after she posted a .427 batting average with a 1.189 OPS. She had seven doubles, six triples, 18 RBI and 34 runs scored.
“I have a group of girls that all do a great job of supporting each other,” Ginnings said. “We have three girls that have played in some post season games I am hoping that experience will benefit them this year.”
Weaubleau opens the season Aug. 30-31 at the Humansville Tournament.
“We should be one of the top teams in the conference again this year,” Ginnings said. “I really just look for us to be competitive in every game this season.”
