The Webb City High School softball team had a historic and memorable 2020 season.
During a stellar campaign, the Cardinals captured Central Ozark Conference and district championships before concluding the season with an extra-inning setback in the Class 4 state title game.
Despite losing three starters to graduation, including COC Player of the Year Haidyn Berry, the Cardinals return a senior-laden core of returning starters from last year’s squad that went 27-6 overall and brought home the state runner-up plaque.
“It was a really special season,” Webb City coach Shauna Friend said of 2020. “And it was a lot of fun. Getting to the state championship was a goal early on and the girls did everything it took to get there. It was a great experience.”
Nine seniors will play key roles for the Cardinals in 2021. Six of those seniors are returning starters.
“Experience is going to be an advantage for us this season,” Friend said. “Most of our returning players have a lot of varsity experience and were involved in our run to the state championship game. I really like our senior leadership. They’re a great group of kids.”
Seniors Peyton Hawkins and Emma Welch, a pair of all-state and all-conference performers, lead the group of returning players.
A shortstop, Hawkins had a stellar 2020 campaign. She hit .429 with 48 hits, scored a team-high 44 runs, drove in 25 and hit four home runs. The 48 hits tied Berry for the team lead.
An outfielder, Welch also stood out last fall. Welch had a .417 batting average with 45 hits, 31 runs batted in and 31 runs scored.
“I expect both of them to be strong leaders, offensively and defensively,” Friend said.
Other returning senior starters are catcher Kaylyn Gilbert, infielder Emalee Lamar and outfielders Hannah Wells and Ripley Shanks.
Gilbert batted .330 with 33 hits, 23 RBI and 19 runs scored.
“The catcher position is incredibly important and it’s great to have someone like Kaylyn,” Friend said. “She’s a natural leader, she has all that experience behind the plate and I think she’s going to be able to really help our new pitchers.”
Lamar, who can play first or third base, had a .392 batting average with 40 hits, 29 RBI, 26 runs scored and seven home runs last year. Wells, who can also play third, hit .398 and drove in 20 runs, while Shanks batted .429 in 24 plate appearances.
Three other seniors should contribute nicely, Friend said. Lauren Hicks, an option at first base, is back after an injury wiped out her junior season, while classmates Morgan Brannon (IF) and Shelby Gardner (OF/IF) are valuable additions.
Sophomore Dawsyn Decker is a player who can pitch, catch and play in the infield.
Freshman Laney Taylor is an option in the circle.
“She’ll have an important role on our pitching staff,” Friend said, noting several position players may see time in the circle. “Our pitching staff is slim, but our pitchers are working hard every day and they’ll be ready to give their best when the season begins.”
Sophomore pitcher Lydia Lortz gained varsity experience last season, but she’s currently injured.
The Cardinals lost three starters to graduation in Berry, Alyssa Jennings and Bri Batson. And all three signed to play college softball, as Berry is headed to Central Missouri, while Jennings inked with Crowder College and Batson will play at Neosho County Community College.
Replacing Berry will not be easy, as the two-time COC Player of the Year was a standout in the circle and at the plate. In 2020, Berry earned 25 pitching wins and blasted a school record 18 home runs, a mark that ranks second all-time in Missouri.
Despite those losses, Coach Friend is confident her senior-laden squad has the potential to put together another solid season.
“We’re trying to pick up right where we left off last year,” Friend said. “The girls are working hard and we’re excited.”
The Cardinals will compete at Monett’s jamboree on Aug. 20. Webb City opens the season at home on Aug. 30 against Nevada.
FIELD IMPROVEMENTS
Webb City will be playing at an improved facility this fall.
When the work is completed, there will be a turf infield, with new dugouts and new seating options for fans.
Friend, who said the work should be completed in plenty of time before the home opener, noted the backstop will be moved farther behind the plate, as well.
“It’s going to be a great facility,” Friend said. “I know they’ve been working hard on it. We’re excited.”
