A lot of new faces will be representing the Billings Lady Wildcats on the diamond this spring.
After notching a 13-11 overall record last season and finishing one win shy of claiming a share of the SWCL title, head coach Randy Towe's club has their work cut out for them in 2016 – seeing seven players from last year's squad lost due to graduation.
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The largest concern for Towe, who enters his fifth year manning the program, will be inexperience in the circle. Billings doesn't carry a single pitcher who has played at the varsity level.
The same can be said for several other positions – leaving a lot of questions in regard to how the team will develop and find its way as the season progresses.
“We have pretty much a whole new team,” Towe said. “It's exciting to work with players that are eager to learn. I can’t wait to see how much they improve.”
Despite such a large turnover, the cupboard isn't completely bare for Towe. Junior Kacie Baxter, who earned 1st team All-District and All-Conference honors last year, returns to work for the Lady Wildcats.
During her sophomore campaign, Baxter turned heads at the plate – batting an astounding .486 to lead the team, along with compiling 42 RBIs and boasting an on-base percentage of nearly .600.
And if that wasn't enough, she can do damage in the field as well.
“Besides being a great hitter, she is an outstanding defensive shortstop with a great arm,” Towe said of Baxter. “I feel she is one of the best players in the area.”
Baxter will get to show off her skills throughout a rather daunting schedule for the Lady Wildcats – one that includes the formidable Mount Vernon Tournament starting on Mar. 21 to begin the slate, followed by a clash with state quarterfinal participant Clever one week later.
Billings will also compete in the eight-team White Squirrel Softball Tournament in Marionville, a one-day tournament, on Apr. 16.
There's no question that there will be plenty of obstacles for such a green Billings team, but Towe sees the road ahead as a perfect opportunity for his group to grow and hopefully secure some wins along the way.
“We will be all about getting better as the year goes along,” added Towe. “Besides having very little experience, we are very young. As we get some games behind us, I hope to become very competitive.”
