By Chris Parker
Liberal softball went 19-6 last season and won a district title. Only four starters return, but one of those starters is amongst the best pitchers in the state in senior Jordan Goodell.
Goodell was a first-team all-state selection last season after she struck out 171 and posted a 1.86 ERA across 112.2 innings. She also hit .566 with a 1.433 OPS including 10 doubles, three triples, two home runs, 43 RBI and 37 runs scored.
“Jordan Goodell will be the kid we lean on the most,” Liberal head coach Brandi Goodell said. “She has a lot of softball experience and has had a lot of success over the years. Twice selected to second-team all-state and last year being first-team all-state pitcher.”
Ava Garrett (sophomore) will also look to get some innings pitching.
The catcher will be freshman Chloe Brock.
The infield will be mostly new with senior Kale Hatfield returning after an all-region utility player honors. Garrett will likely be on the infield when not pitching. Katelyn Wallace (junior) is a returning letterman. Kerri Borghardt (junior), McKinley Porter (sophomore) and Braylen Freiden (freshman) will compete for time on the infield as well.
Hatfield hit .303 with an .814 OPS last season. She drove in 24 runs and score another 18. Garrett hit .302 and scored 22 runs. Wallace saw action in 10 games and hit .222.
Hatfield could also play in the outfield. Misty Dawn Johns returns for her senior season and could be in the outfield. Madi King and Gracie Borghardt could also help in the outfield.
“We hope to be tough outs and compete in our at-bats and be aggressive on the bases. We expect our pitchers will compete and throw well and our defense will come along as the season progresses,” Coach Goodell said. “We hope to be toward the top of the conference. And depending on our district be in that district finals game at the end of the year.”
