By Chris Parker
Clever softball has won double-digit games in five consecutive seasons. The Lady Jays will look to keep that streak going with seven starters returning this season.
Junior Ava Mittag returns at pitcher after throwing 140 of 150 innings for Clever last season. She struck out 66 and posted a 4.10 ERA. Mittag has a wide variety of pitches to work with.
Freshman Elle Camron will also look for time in the circle.
The lineup around the infield will depend on who is pitching, but look for a combination of Maycee King (sophomore), Camron, Jailyn Countryman (junior), Katelynn Butts (sophomore), Taylor Thompson (freshman), Kinley Burk (freshman), Mittag, Izzy Hudak (freshman), Savannah Cheney (junior) and Piper Steele (senior).
Cheney led that group with a 1.109 OPS last season, driving in 26 runs and scoring 16. Steele hit .397 with 26 RBI and 17 runs scored.
The outfield will have Bailey Gaulding (junior left fielder), Autumn Thrasher (junior centerfielder), Butts (right fielder) and Countryman (right fielder).
Thrasher had a .926 OPS with 21 RBI.
“We have several players that can play multiple positions making them able to adjust as needed based on our opponent,” Clever head coach Cheryl Grant said.
Grant is looking to several different players for leadership this season.
“Piper Steele, she has a great attitude and is our lone senior returning. She has a high game IQ and is very supportive of other players. She is the go-to for advice and other players feed off of her energy,” Grant said. “Ava Mittag leads by her example of hard work and dedication to the sport. Autumn Thrasher and Bailey Gaulding both offer a lot to the team and support the younger players always encouraging everyone to do better and holding people accountable. Savannah Cheney brings high energy and is great at positive reinforcement.”
Clever opens the season on Mar. 22 at the Strafford Tournament.
“We will be competitive this year in our conference and expect us to go deep into the postseason,” Grant said.
