By Dana Harding (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
While 2024 was a successful campaign for Strafford softball, head coach Dale Bean believes his squad was capable of much more.
The Indians finished with a 15-11 record, falling to Forsyth in the district semifinal round.
“We started the season off going 12-5 in the first 17 games,” Bean said. “Unfortunately, we were not able to sustain that early season success, and ended up finishing the last part of the season going 2-6 and a semifinals loss in districts. We saw some really good things in 2024, but we also faced some challenges with being consistent.”
Heading into his 11th season with the Indians, Bean will look to replace a talented quintet of graduated seniors.
“Our graduating seniors played critical roles for us on both defense and offense, and their experience will leave a big void,” Bean said.
Strafford will be led this season by lone returning senior Presley McCain (.333 AVG, 28 hits, 29 runs).
“Presley was our leadoff hitter last year and played left field,” Bean said. “She will now transition to center field and probably slide back a few slots in the lineup to give some experience in the middle.”
Juniors Kenna Munhollon, Kayliegh Lexa and Dalyce Scrivener also return for the Indians.
Bean on Munhollon: “Kenna will be a returning pitcher/infielder this season. She went 8-4 last season with a 3.893 ERA, and batted .258 with 17 hits and 16 RBI.”
Bean on Lexa: “Kayliegh played second base and batted .245, 13 hits, 14 RBI. Kayliegh also pitched 20 innings last season with a 4.707 ERA, and 8 Ks. We will be moving Kayliegh around on the infield this season to help fill some voids, as well as increasing her innings pitched on the varsity level significantly.”
Bean on Scrivener: “Dalyce played a catcher/Utility/DH role last season. Batted .235, with 8 hits, and 5 RBI. Dalyce battled through a few injuries last season, as well as working through making adjustments at the varsity level, and we are excited to see her have a full, healthy season.”
Several other returning players are expected to take on bigger roles this season in junior Fabian Carney (2B), junior Karsen Comstock (1B), sophomore Sarah Canales (INF/P) and sophomore Jayden Onore (OF).
With a host of open spots on the roster, Bean also expects freshmen Braelyn Richardson, Kaelyn Rhodes and Blair Bough to step in and compete for playing time and experience this spring.
“We are going to be in a transitional season,” Bean said. “We have girls who will be filling some major roles for the first time on the varsity level which will bring its challenges. With only having one senior on this season’s roster, there will be a learning curve, but as the season progresses, we hope to see our maturity, confidence and experience in our players grow.”
In the circle, Strafford will look to Munhollon and Lexa to throw a majority of innings, with Canales and Richardson moving into developing roles on the varsity staff.
“We have one pitcher returning who threw about half of our season’s innings last year, and will be a junior,” Bean said. “She will give us two more seasons of depth and experience in the circle. We have another junior who is starting to come into her own in the circle who finished last season throwing well on the varsity level. We also have a sophomore and freshman pitcher who will be developing their confidence and consistency throughout the season at the JV level, and hopefully be able to transition into a varsity position within the next few seasons.”
At the plate, Bean expects his team to go through a development period early in the season, as the young lineup adjusts to the rigors of varsity play.
“We still have a lot of girls who will be trying to find who they are at the plate,” Bean said. “It will take some time adjusting and working on making adjustments, but I have confidence we will find some consistency down the stretch.
While Strafford may be young and relatively inexperienced heading into the spring campaign, Bean believes his team’s work ethic and competitive drive will help the development process and make for an exciting stretch run to the postseason.
“We have a group of great hard-working players who are wanting to do whatever it takes to make the team successful,” Bean said. “It’s a joy to coach this group of players, because they love softball and want the best for each other. We are fortunate to have a few pitchers who will be with us for the next couple of seasons, so we are trying to start our successful journey with them now.”
Strafford opens its season March 21 at Miller.
