By Chris Parker
Exeter softball has posted five consecutive winning seasons, and the Tigers are poised to make it six with seven starters returning from last season’s 14-8 team.
Improvement has been evident up and down the roster.
“Over the summer our players played a lot of softball between travel and the league we played in as a team,” Exeter head coach Ashley Fly said. “Our incoming freshman have improved from eighth grade to this season, and we expect them to improve more. Our upperclassmen have improved a ton as well. We are improving as a team, and individuals are improving every day.”
Upperclassmen will make this team go.
“We are senior-class heavy this year with strong leadership,” Fly said. “Experience will be a strength that we plan to improve upon throughout the season. Defense is another strength moving into the season. We have a lot of returning players that are wanting to improve every day.”
Southwest will use a trio of pitchers this season.
“All three of our pitchers will play a key role in our success this season,” Fly said. “Senior Dawnee Sorensen has been on the mound for us the last two seasons. Some of her pitches have a natural drop that keep batters off balance. She has pitched some big games for us and will continue to be a leader on the mound. Junior Zeanndrea Brown, has been on the mound for us the last two seasons. She has a variety of pitches that keep batters off balance. Sophomore Lily Stevenson, she will play a role with pitching this season. She will see mound time throughout the season. Lily has a variety of pitches that keep batters off balance. Each of these three pitchers bring a lot to the table and will be utilized.”
Shea Hilburn (junior) and Jaylee Hawkins (sophomore) will see a majority of the innings behind the plate catching. Jaycee Lile also could see time catching.
The infield lineup will vary based on who is pitching. Abby Lemons (senior), Lily Stevenson (sophomore), Gracie McCracken (junior), Hallie Woods (senior), Hilburn, Sorensen and Brown will see time on the infield.
Woods, Karlee Willis (senior), Kaylyn Weiser (senior) and Kahlan Fuller (junior) will see time in the outfield.
“Our identity for this year is to work hard and surprise people this season. We are wanting work hard to compete and surprise people throughout the season,” Fly said. “My overall expectations for the girls are to work hard every day. If we work hard every day, good things will happen and we will surprise people. We are also working hard on learning to finish a game when things get tough.”
Southwest opens the season Mar. 21-22 at the Joplin Area Tournament hosted by Purdy.
