By Matt Turer – mturer@ky3.com
@Matt Turer
Hermitage reached the Class 1 quarterfinals in 2016 and returns all but two starters this fall, meaning a repeat trip to a district championship and more is very realistic for this group.
“Our expectations are high after advancing to quarterfinals last year,” head coach Shane Salmon said. “I thought we hit the ball well over the summer and our new players should help to provide some team speed.”
All-region pitcher Sheridan Corum is one of the best Class 1 talents in southwest Missouri last season and is back this fall. Corum was 8-7 with a 3.54 ERA last year but put up her best numbers at the plate, where she hit .535.
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Junior all-conference outfielder Jade Morris (.389 AVG.) is back as well, along with other key returners in shortstop Sadi Hostettler (.271 AVG.), second baseman/pitcher Emily Christian (.300 AVG.) and catcher Anna Ginnings (.306 AVG.). Salmon also pointed to center fielder Amanda Newman and left fielder Aleisha Wise as players to watch.
The Hornets beat Wheatland 7-6 in extra innings in last year’s Class 1, District 4 quarterfinals before disposing of Weaubleau 11-3 in the district championship. They went on to beat Walnut Grove, 11-8, in nine innings in sectional play before falling 4-0 to Van Buren in the state quarterfinals.
Last year’s district championship was the second in three seasons (2014, 2016) for Hermitage.
Hermitage opens its season on the road at Marion C. Early on Aug. 22. Their home opener is Sept. 1 against Macks Creek.
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