The veteran-laden Perryville softball team has high hopes. After finishing 10-7 last year with a second round playoff loss to Colonel Richardson, the Panthers expect to go farther this spring. Three pitchers are vying for action. Junior Emily Phillips, who started a majority of the games last spring, is working her way back from injury. "Emily is getting up to speed," coach Dave Ruark said.
Senior lefty Lydia Hill got several starts last year. Freshman Mara Little is also competing for time in the circle. "We will see what happens in our first five or six games," said Ruark. "We're looking for our pitchers to have good command, pitch ahead in the count, and pitch to contact. We don't have to strike everybody out because we have a really good defense." Senior Carly White returns at catcher. Sophomore Amber Keene will also see action behind the plate. Both have big bats and will likely be in the lineup. Hill, a strong defensive player, is the incumbent first baseman. White and Mara Little can also play first. Sophomore Brooke Reynolds and freshman Jordyn Reese are competing for the second base job. Reynolds dominated on JV last year. "Ruark said Reese is "very strong defensively and a tough out". "You can see why both of them are more than capable of playing the position," the coach said. Reese is also capable of playing shortstop or third base. Sophomore Ellen Little returns at shortstop. "Her range has improved and she's more confident," said Ruark. "We're expecting big things." Senior Katelyn Griffin is back at third base and will be in the middle of the batting order. "Katelyn plays strong defense and has a good stick," Ruark said. "She has the quickest hands I've ever seen as far as getting rid of the ball." Six outfielders are vying for playing time. Ashley Meekins saw action at third base and catcher last year. "Her range is ridiculous," Ruark said. "She's really fast." Nicole DiGiambattista will be a factor. "She is really a solid player," said Ruark. "She makes the routine play and there's really a lot to be said for that." The coach says Nikki Hill has a "very capable bat." Kadi Davis "can play any outfield position and do a solid job." Sierra Johnson "has a steady glove". Keene could also play in the outfield. "We're going to have a tough lineup for a pitcher to get through," Ruark said. The coach says Perryville is much further along since it is his second year. "They are a little more used to the system," he said. "They are showing up ready to work. We expect big things. Anything short of a deep playoff run is going to be disappointing." Comments are closed.
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