With only two returning starters from last year's 23-3 club, some people might think the 2014 season will be a rebuilding year for the McDonald County Lady Mustang softball team.
But coach Tray Shaddox describes it more as time to "reload" than to "rebuild."
"Most of the girls have been here and they know what we expect," Shaddox said. "I told them my expectations have not diminished one bit. I tell them to go out and compete in every game during the regular season and then we will play for a district title."
The regular season for this year includes conference games as well as non-conference games for the first time in several years.
"We are looking forward to being a part of a conference," Shaddox said of McDonald County competing in the Big 8 Conference. "We have a chance to play for the conference championship and the girls have a chance to earn more recognition for their abilities."
Shaddox said the team to beat in the conference will be Monett.
"They have a returning pitcher and catcher that are exceptional players," Shaddox said.
The Lady Mustangs' two returning starters are Nicole Ickes and Rachel Brown. Ickes will move from left field to shortstop while Brown is back for her second year at first base.
"Shortstop is a new position for Coley for us, but not for her," Shaddox said. "She plays it in the summer and she is definitely an asset defensively, plus she has great speed at the plate and on the bases. Rachel had a good year at first base last season and I expect her to be better this year offensively and defensively."
McDonald County's new battery for 2014 is expected to be Cheyanne Chappie on the mound and Chayleigh McCool or Hailey Dillow behind the plate. Other returning letter winners include Kyla Buchanan, Courtnie Welch, Hanna Schmit and Kali McClain.
"We have a good group of seniors," Shaddox said. "They have some big shoes to fill, but they are more than capable."
Key newcomers at the varsity level include junior third baseman Chloe Anderson and freshman outfielder Cloee Helm.
"Chloe (Anderson) is a big asset at the plate," Shaddox said. "She has been hitting the ball well in practice. She hits it as hard as anybody we have. Cloee (Helm) will probably start in the outfield."
The Lady Mustangs open their season Aug. 26 at home against Nevada. Their first conference game is set for Sept. 8 at Aurora. Tournaments include Joplin (Aug. 29-30), Branson (Sept. 20) and Carthage (Oct. 3-4).
Shaddox said it will be a little different when taking the field for a conference game.
"I tell the girls we want to go out and win every game, but conference games will have a little more meaning," Shaddox said. "We won't place more or less emphasis on any one game though. We preach the most important game is the next one."
Sports on 08/21/2014