By Chris Parker
Purdy softball is looking for its first district title since 2021 with six starters returning from last season’s 17-win team.
At the head of those returning players is junior Gabriela Groomer who was second-team all-state selection last year. Groomer is a power pitcher who struck out 238 across 146.2 innings with a 2.96 ERA.
Groomer also brings a big bat hitting .521 with a 1.470 OPS including 12 doubles, six triples, 21 RBI and 35 runs scored last season.
Freshman Chloe Prock could also pitch.
Senior Zoey Webb will be the catcher. Webb hit .242 with 23 runs scored and 10 stolen bases last season.
Around the infield there are some experienced players returning. Junior Lauren Brooks is an all-conference and all-district third baseman. Senior Rosa Schad is an all-conference and all-district shortstop who is the leader of the infield. First base could see Brooklyn Bunch or Andee Vineyard. Keirsten Postlewait, Kenzie Postlewait and Prock are all options at second base.
Brooks hit .313 with 18 RBI and 20 runs scored in 2024. Schad contributed 16 RBI and 23 runs scored while hitting .385 with a .993 OPS.
The leader in the outfield will be returning all-conference and all-district selection Courtney Patterson. She hit .247 last season.
Shelbie Patterson, Ellie Nunez, Kenzie Postlewait, Prock and Brooklyn Phelan are also options in the outfield.
“Speed on the bases will be one of our strengths. Pitching and defense is a big key for us to compete for a conference and district championship,” Purdy head coach Lori Videmschek said. “(We want to) be more consistent with runners in scoring position and be more disciplined at the plate.”
Purdy opens the season Mar. 21-22 at the Joplin Area Tournament hosted in Purdy.
“We have an experienced team back and with the freshman coming in we will have a tough team. Our freshmen will be a key for our success this year,” Videmschek said. “Our overall expectations are always set high. They know what I expect out of them and compete every day in practice. We have a very competitive group of kids who will work hard and push each other to be better. We are always competing for a conference and district championship. Stay hungry, stay humble, and never settle.”
