By Chris Parker
Crane softball returns four varsity starters from last season’s 12-win team. That quartet includes Lillie McMenamy, Malynn Moreland, Addison Blair and Shay Blair.
McMenamy and Moreland will be the senior leaders according to head coach Mike Morelock.
“These two have been a staple for our program and the girls look to them for encouragement to spark enthusiasm during games,” Morelock said.
Addison and Shay Blair will also shoulder leadership responsibilities entering their third seasons starting.
“Addison and Shay Blair are juniors and have started since they were freshmen,” Morelock said. “These two have played softball their entire lives and will be a huge part of our growth and hopefully success this season. They are going to be asked to play like seniors and more importantly lead like seniors.”
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Shay Blair will move from third base to catcher this season.
“She (Shay Blair) has been our starting third baseman for two years now, but she has a cannon for an arm,” Morelock said. “She is tough and very competitive. That is the type of catcher every team needs. It will be a big learning curve for her, but she is already working hard and will do a great job for us.”
Freshman Raegan Jackson will also see time at catcher.
The pitching will be handled by a mix of Addison Blair and Averie Amos.
“We will be having several girls work on pitching throughout the entire season,” Morelock said. “We plan to play well defensively and score runs to help offset the fact that we do not have a dominant pitcher that we are used to here in Crane.”
There will be many new players on the field this year. Lorene Mease (sophomore), Addy Westrip (sophomore), Abrey Ellingsworth (freshman), Raegan Jackson (freshman), Tailor Cleveland (freshman), and Averie Amos (freshman) will all look for varsity innings.
Crane opens the season Mar. 17 at home against Bradleyville.
“Expectations are simple; I want us to compete in as many games as we possibly can,” Morelock said. “If we give ourselves a chance to win some ball games that will lead to some confidence in ourselves. That is not easy to achieve when you have a young team.”
