By Amanda Perkins (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
“It was the first time in Cabool softball history that we shared a piece of the conference championship,” said head coach Scott Tooley, who enters his fourth year leading the program. “It was between us, Mountain Grove, and Houston. That was pretty exciting for the girls.”
The Lady Bulldogs topped Mountain Grove in the first round of the district tournament but fell to Forsyth in the semifinals, ending their season with a 15-6 record and the most wins in program history. The team graduated seven.
“I hated to say goodbye to my seniors,” said Tooley. “I had Madelynne Aaron, a shortstop/pitcher and excellent at either position; Gracie Campbell, pitcher/shortstop; Abigail Heuerman, second; Dalila Cannon, left; Vanessa Kentner, center; Alexis Hurst, third, and Josie Atkins, infield. They were a good group of girls to lead us, and we are super proud of what they did for our program.”
But all hope is not lost. The Lady Bulldogs return first team all-conference, all-district, and all-region catcher Hailey Shannon. “She is athletic in every sport she does and will be excellent,” said Tooley.
Senior Morganne Aaron, an all-district and all-conference first baseman, Bailey Aaron, a sophomore centerfielder, and junior Athena Waller, shortstop and pitcher, are also back with varsity experience.
CLICK HERE FOR LINKS TO ALL OF THE SPRING SPORTS PREVIEWS
New faces will include Makinley Aaron, freshman pitcher and shortstop; Ashley Cauldwell, senior left fielder; Kylie Bolerjack, senior right fielder, as well as Autumn Lay, Raven Swank, and Katelyn Bolerjack.
“Our team strength is the leadership from our seniors,” said Coach Tooley. “They have been with me since their freshman year and know what we will be doing. That will be a big key for us to lead and guide the younger ones who haven’t played before. I also strive for our defense to be a strength.”
“I don’t know that we’re truly rebuilding, but we are starting over,” he added.
The Lady Bulldogs kick off their season at the Koshkonong Invitational Tournament March 18-19, then travel to Alton for their first regular season game March 21.
