By Pat Dailey (For OzarkSportsZone.com)
Bailey Hosbach is back in the center circle for Marionville, after leading the Lady Comets last year to their first winning season since 2015.
Hosbach compiled a 13-8 W-L record and 3.68 ERA, as Marionville finished 15-9. The Lady Comets gave up an average of 4.3 runs a game, their lowest defensive average in eight years.
Coach Mark Estep thinks Hosbach can become elite, if she can cut down on her walks.
“Bailey took some big strides forward last year and became the type of pitcher that every coach wants,” Estep said. “She is a quiet type of leader that leads by example. We are working this year on staying focused and not giving up free passes to the bottom of lineups. If we can accomplish that, she will be one of the top pitchers in our area.”
Hosbach also is among the leaders of Marionville’s offense. She bats cleanup and is fresh from hitting .436 with 14 doubles.
Hosbach’s battery mate, catcher Katlin Carr, was rewarded with an All-Southwest Conference First-Team selection last year, after putting up spectacular numbers that included a .522 batting mark, a .942 slugging percentage, 18 doubles and 10 stolen bases.
Estep considers Carr invaluable on many fronts.
“Katlin is the motor behind our team,” he said. “She is a driven player that pushes everyone else to succeed.”
In all, Marionville welcomes back seven starters from last season.
Annaliyah Ghan, who joined Carr as an All-Southwest Conference First-Team choice last year, returns to anchor Marionville’s infield at third base. She batted .443 with a .714 slugging percentage as a freshman.
“Annaliyah was a true star for us last season,” Estep said. “I knew that she was extremely athletic, and she used those abilities to excel. Coming into her sophomore season this year I expect great things from her. She tackled the hot corner, which is tough as a left hander. But her quickness led to great success. I expect her to be there again and to handle that position in the same manner. She should be at the top of the lineup for us.”
Shortstop Maggie Murphy returns after hitting .430 with a home run and eight stolen bases.
“She is another very athletic player in our lineup that can play almost anywhere,” Estep said. “It will be important for her to continue to be successful and set the table for the big hitters we have behind her.”
Marionville will have new starters at first base and second base. Hannah Ozckus, Ashlin Carr, Keirstan Smith and Lexi Gaines will play at those spots.
Estep thinks Gaines may have a breakout season.
“Lexi may be the real key at this point,” Estep said., “She worked hard (in the) off-season to take her game to another level.”
Ashlin Carr is a freshman Estep has high hopes for.
“Ashlin will see a lot of playing time,” he said. “She is a good pitcher and will see some time in the circle this year. She is also a natural fit to take over at first base. She also may be the strongest bat in our lineup, as she learns to read pitches.”
Marionville sported a .362 team batting average while scoring an average of 9.6 runs a game last season.
“I see us continuing to excel at the plate,” Estep said, “We have to keep a mindset that we can beat anyone and use that mentality to close out games.”
Estep hopes his veterans don’t forget the losses Marionville suffered last season while letting late leads slip away. The Lady Comets were leading in the sixth inning in four of their first five losses.
“We struggled at the beginning of last year knowing how to close out games,” he said. “Once we started to believe in ourselves, we really took off.”
Estep anticipates the Southwest Conference to again feature high-quality ball.
“We are going to be a very strong unit, but I also know that the other top teams in our conference have most (of their) starters back as well,” he said. “It should be a very competitive year.”
The Lady Comets will debut March 15-16 at Verona’s Cheri Nash Memorial.
