By Pat Dailey (For OzarkSportsZone.com)
After a rare season in which Purdy’s post-season was short-lived, the Lady Eagles look to rise to prominence again.
Purdy features eight returning starters, including two All-SWCL First-team choices, from its 16-8 team of a year ago.
“Bringing back eight starters is very exciting and expectations are set very high,” said coach Lori Videmschek, who led the Lady Eagles to the Class 1 state championship in 2021. “Last year’s team was very young and it showed in districts. I’m hoping with what we went through last year, it will prepare us to finish well this season.
“These kids are a super competitive group,” she added. “(They) compete day in and day out. They have worked really hard. They bring grit and a great work ethic. (I’m) super excited to see what we can do. If we can stay healthy and work hard and together, we can be a very good team and exciting team to watch. With what I’ve seen, we could have a fun year.”
Purdy opens its 34-game schedule with the Joplin-Area Tournament the Lady Eagles will host and a trip to the Mt. Vernon Tournament.
“The last two years we have played a very tough schedule and again this year to help prepare us for not only a tough conference, but our district tournament,” Videmschek said. “We are playing some tough tournaments. (Our schedule) will be key for our growth and development.”
Jessi Hoppes and Brooklynn Bunch could give Purdy plenty of punch in its outfield.
Hoppes is fresh from hitting .349 and earning Class 1 All-State First Team and SWCL First-Team honors last season. Bunch batted .368 a year ago.
Also back are second baseman Rylee Stanford, who hit .323 last season, shortstop Rosa Schad, who hit .322, and catcher/right fielder Zoey Webb, who also hit .322.
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Third baseman Kavery Postlewait is back and has recently returned following an ACL injury. She is expected to split time between first and third.
Also returning are Raeley Henderson, Marlene Villa and Gracie Patton.
“Offensively we bring a lot of power,” Videmschek said. “I’m excited to see what we can do offensively.”
Pitcher Hadley Hughes returns, after hitting .323 and fashioning a 16-8 W-L record and 3.13 ERA to earn SWCL First-Team honors last season. She will be joined in the center circle by freshman Gabriela Groomer.
“My pitching staff should be pretty good,” Videmschek said. “Hadley and Gabriela sharing that role and working together (will) win some really tough games.
“Gabriela will help us on the mound and at the plate,” Videmschek added. “When she is not pitching, she will play third. Her impact on our pitching staff will help us compete for a district championship. I’m really excited to see what she can do for us.”
Another freshman, Courtney Patterson, also figures to make an immediate impact.
“Courtney will see playing time this year,” Videmschek said. “She is very athletic and can play any spot on the field.”
Outfielders Serenity Morris and Kenna Ligett also look to contribute.
“Serenity didn’t play last year and has the possibility to push for starting time in the outfield and possibly behind the plate,” Videmschek said. “Kenna will see time on the basepaths, and we’ll see how she will grow this season.”
Purdy teams traditionally are aggressive on the basepaths and this bunch figures to follow that lead.
“Our speed should give teams problems,” Videmschek said.
Videmschek, who coaches at Cassville in the fall, is starting her 19th year coaching and 12th season at Purdy. With a career record of 485-235, her 500th win should be well within reach this spring.
Purdy will host a jamboree March 13th against Clever, Pierce City and Exeter.
