By Chris Parker
Liberty softball has six starters returning from last season’s five-win team.
A trio of players in Delani Ellett (sophomore), Jayli Tharp (sophomore) and Savannah Holdt (senior) will handle pitching duties. Sophomore Shelby Holdt will be the primary catcher.
Look for Ellett, Tharp, Savannah Holdt, Abby Roberts and Ella Phipps (senior) around the infield.
The outfield will feature Ashlynn Henry (senior), Jetaime Ordway (sophomore), Sky Daniels (junior) and Kameryn Wood (sophomore).
“We are young and will have players competing for starting positions early,” Liberty head coach Roger Gastineau said. “I am looking forward to watching them push each other in practice to get better.”
Seniors Henry and Savannah Holdt will be team leaders.
“Ashlynn Henry and Savannah Holdt will be our leaders this season,” Gastienau said. “They are both seniors and have played all four years. Both have great attitudes and work hard all the time. Ella (Phipps) took last season off, and we are glad to have her back this year. I look for her to lead with the other two seniors.”
Speed and defense will be strengths for Liberty.
“We have speed and will try to use that to put pressure on other teams. We will be better defensively this year and will also look for more consistency in the circle,” Gastineau said. “Pitching will be the key. Limiting walks and making teams put the ball in play will be key also. We will also need to be better at the plate. Our goal is to cut down on strikeouts and being all around better hitters with two strikes.”
Liberty opens the season on Mar. 21 at Alton.
“I think we can improve on our record from last season,” Gastineau said. “We would like to finish above .500 and be competitive in every game. The goal is to improve every day and be playing our best late in the season and during districts.”
