Dexter, Missouri - The Lady Cats softball team opens at home on Tuesday, March 21st against the Bloomfield Lady Wildcats. Game time is 4:30 p.m.
"Looking at the upcoming season, we have some different components to add to our program," commented Lady Cats head softball coach Starla Pulley. "Our team is more versatile this year, bringing back several players, but also adding a large freshman group."
Freshman athletes are Shae Baker #19, Kelsey Carriers #16, Colby Christian #5, Mallory Dunlap #11, Madilyn Hampton #7, Madeline Parker #14, and Annie Slaton #9.
"We have 7 players from our freshman class, four of them being possible starters," continued Pulley. "Our freshman group will contribute in many ways. We will add Kelsey Carrier and Mallory Dunlap to our pitching lineup."
Sophomores are Demi Cecil #1, Kelby Hill #3, Chaylea Mosby #15, and Emily Smith #2.
"Returning that helped some last year with pitching is sophomore Demi Cecil. She will also contribute in other areas," stated Pulley. "They all bring experience playing traveling ball and continue to seek and get better. Pitching has been something that we have struggled with since I took over 2 years ago. Our line-up this year will have a strong presence at the plate, we have the potential to have a powerful lineup."
"We are also returning Kaylee Carey and Chaylea Mosby and both of them batted over 500 last year."
"We have three to four additional players that show potential to be power hitters as well. Chaylea will be coming back as well and lead the team in defensive percentage and with home runs."
The only junior on the Lady Cats softball team is Lauryn Davis #18.
"Lauren moved in from Naylor this year and she will be a strong contributor in our offense and defense," Pulley said.
Seniors are Kaylee Carey #12, Haley Cornett #4, Cidney Gathings #13, Cheyenne Mosby #17, and Olivia Sitzes #8.
Carey, a senior, has already signed to play at Crowley's Ridge College. She will be a strong presence for the Lady Cats defensively and offensively. Carey also lead the team last year offensively.
"She leads by example and is a hard worker.," Pulley said of Carey. "Very proud of her to have signed to play ball at CRC."
"Cheyenne Mosby is another senior and she is a very hard worker and missed the end of last year due to an injury," continued Pulley. "I will be looking at her to help us out in the outfield and offensively."
"Haley Cornett, Olivia Sitzes, Cidney Gathings they round up our seniors. All three of them work hard and I can see them contributing in a variety of ways for us this season. They all are very versatile players."
"We have also been working with a couple of girls on slap hitting to mix up our offensive some," finished Pulley. "They are fast and quick and it adds another element to the game."
The annual Swing Pink Tournament is slated for Saturday, April 8th. The Stoddard County Athletic Association (SCAA) Tournament is scheduled for April 17th - April 20th. Class 1 - State Tournament begins with District play on May 8th - May 20th.
2017 Spring Lady Cats Softball Schedule
Tuesday, March 21st 4:30 p.m. vs Bloomfield (H)
Wednesday, March 22nd at 4:30 p.m. vs Clearwater (H)
Friday, March 24th at 4:30 p.m. vs Doniphan (H)
Monday, March 27th at 4:30 p.m. @ Twin Rivers (A)
Tuesday, March 28th at 4:30 p.m. vs Kennett (H)
Thursday, March 30th at 4:30 p.m. vs Bernie (H)
Friday, March 31st at 4:30 p.m. vs Woodland (H)
Tuesday, April 4th at 4:30 p.m. @ Malden (A)
Thursday, April 6th at 4:30 p.m. vs Puxico (H)
Monday, April 10th at 4:30 p.m. @New Madrid County Central (A)
Tuesday, April 11th at 4:30 p.m. @ Charleston (A)
Thursday, April 15th at 4:30 p.m. @ Advance (A)
Wednesday, April 19th at 4:30 p.m. @ Oran (A)
Friday, April 21st at 4:30 p.m. vs Greenville (H)
Wednesday, April 26th at 4:30 p.m. vs Leopold (H)
Thursday, April 27th at 4:30 p.m. vs Senath-Hornersville (Senior Night)
Friday, April 28th at 4:30 p.m. @ Caruthersville