By Michael Cignoli (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Over the past several seasons, the Glendale softball team has established itself as a perennial Ozark Conference title contender.
Now that they’ve moved to the Central Ozark Conference, this year’s group must re-establish themselves as one of the teams to beat in their new home.
“Looking forward to competing in a new and more challenging conference than ever,” Falcons coach Jeff Mason said. “We’re sure there will be some growing pains, but as a staff we are really looking forward to a great year with a new and hungry group.”
That competition won’t be limited to game days.
After graduating what Mason called “the most and deepest senior class” he’s seen in his time at Glendale, the Falcons have just four starters returning from last fall’s 18-16 team.
As many as 12 players will be competing for those vacant starting jobs, as the Falcons will have an entirely new outfield and will also be looking to replace their second and third basemen.
With so many new faces in the lineup, the Falcons will turn to a four-player senior class — Raegan Randall (catcher/first baseman), Zoe Denney (pitcher), Avery Griffin (outfield/designated hitter) and Addison Letterman (first baseman/catcher) and — for leadership.
“We found out the hard way early on that building a winning program and tradition isn’t easy,” Mason said. “Having players that step on the field expecting to win, rather than hoping to compete makes a night and day difference. Being able to count on upperclassmen with experience and success under their belts year in and year out now is an absolute blessing. Showing the younger players coming into the program the level of dedication and drive it takes to compete and win in one of the best areas for softball in the state is paramount.”
Randall is coming off an all-conference, all-district and all-region season. The Truman State University signee hit .411 and drove in 30 runs.
“She is a great athlete with good size to be successful at the next level,” Mason said. “Reagan has put in some serious work to mold herself into the player she wanted to be. While she still has room for plenty of growth, we are beyond excited to see Raegan expand her role even more this season.”
Denney will headline the Glendale rotation.
“She fills up the zone and really makes teams beat her the hard way,” Mason said. “She’s already had a great career in the circle at Glendale, with 25 varsity wins already under her belt. She’s only looking to build on that legacy as a senior.”
Letterman had some highlight-reel moments during her junior season, including a game-tying home run when the Falcons were down to their last strike in the season opener. Griffin hit .429 in a handful of varsity at bats, but will be competing for full-time responsibilities in the outfield.
“We love open competition in our program, with no spots earned until the season gets underway,” Mason said. “We are blessed to have a good amount of competition all over the field these days.”
No one appears in danger of bumping Peyton Lindstrom out of the shortstop role. The sophomore made the all-conference, all-district and all-region teams after hitting .513.
“We firmly believe, although she’s only going to be a sophomore, that Peyton is one of the best players in the area — if not the state,” Mason said. “She made the game look easy as a freshman.”
Lindstrom also drove in 42 runs, scored 40 more and stole 20 bases — numbers that should only improve as she further develops her skills.
“We will be looking for Peyton to step up her leadership abilities as she steps into a bigger overall role within our program this season,” Mason said. “We have no doubt as a staff that Peyton will continue to grow on the field as a player and leader. We can’t wait to see the special things she’ll be up to this fall.”
Juniors Aliyah Blackard, Isabel Gaunt, Maya Manley, Sammy Melton, Millie VonWiller and Marley White, sophomores Luciana Chefan, Ca’Maya Dearden, Riley Heinrichs, Cami Randall, Eva Spurlin and Willow Walters and freshman Piper VanZant will all be in the mix for playing time.
Manley, Melton and VanZant will also be key members of Glendale’s pitching rotation.
“We’re always excited to see which players rise to the occasion,” Mason said. “This season will have more opportunities for hat than ever before. We have a bunch of hungry players that are willing and able to step into much bigger roles this season. There are few things less satisfying in the coaching ranks than watching a young player grow in confidence and success.”
Glendale will travel to Willard for an August 27 jamboree against the Tigers, Marion C. Early and Neosho, then kick off the regular season at the Morrisville Tournament on August 30.
“One of our biggest strengths this season will be our mentality,” Mason said. “We did a great job this summer showing our competitive edge as the season went along. We won’t be losing games this year by lack of effort. We have a hard working bunch that want to continue the success and build upon the foundation that’s been laid the last handful of years.”
