The Webb City High School softball team will have new faces in big roles this fall.
The Cardinals graduated eight of nine starters from last year’s squad that earned 17 wins, won a district championship and reached the Class 4 quarterfinals.
Webb City must replace nearly all of last year’s offensive production, as every starting position player from last year’s team has graduated.
With that, it’s safe to say the Cardinals are beginning a new era in ’22.
“We have a very young, energetic team always eager to compete,” Cardinals coach Shauna Friend said. “They are excited to get this season started and are focused on doing what it takes to be successful. We are focused on having a successful season. Though we are young, we have players with a lot of talent and potential. We may need a few games to get the nervous jitters out, but we have a very determined group. They work hard every day to reach their goals. I think we have the potential to have a very successful season.”
The team’s lone returning starter is sophomore pitcher Laney Taylor.
As a freshman, Taylor earned all-district honors after going 13-12 with a 4.15 ERA in 148 innings pitched. She was the winning pitcher in Webb City’s 3-2 win over McDonald County in the district title game.
Also back with prior varsity experience is junior catcher/utility player Dawsyn Decker. Decker, who saw time in the outfield last season, recorded a clutch hit for the Cardinals in last year’s district championship game.
Coach Friend said her top newcomers are junior shortstop Jensyn Pickett and junior outfielder/first baseman Sydney Strickland.
Freshmen Liz Rhuems (C/U) and Alex Maturino (3B) are also expected to compete for starting positions.
Other options inside the circle are sophomore Addison Brown and freshmen Karsyn Cahoon, Joleesa Jarmin and Makenzie Wynn.
“One strength we’ll have is some pitching depth,” Friend noted. “We were very short on pitchers last year and we have several this year that throw well.”
Friend noted that the varsity spots are up for grabs at this point of the preseason.
Although the Cardinals will field an inexperienced team at the beginning of the season, Friend is confident there’s a lot to like about the group, including overall team depth.
“I think just working on team chemistry and communication will be something to improve on throughout the season,” Friend said. “The key to success for our team will be having everyone on board working toward the same goals, taking on roles that benefit the team, and supporting each other throughout.”
In 2021, Webb City fell in the quarterfinal round of the state tournament to eventual runner-up Rolla. Last year’s senior class also played a key role on the program’s state runner-up squad in ’20.
After a jamboree at Seneca on Aug. 19, Webb City will officially begin the season at Nevada on Aug. 29. The Cardinals will host Wyandotte on Aug. 30 in the home opener.
The Carthage boys will be led by seniors Miguel Solano, Caleb Fewin and Michael Lanyon, junior Eddy Fuentes and sophomore Colt Pugh.
“Maggie and Katy are our two best returners based on last year’s times, but I also think a number of other girls are poised to have a run at the top few spots as well,” Crigger said. 
The Cougars advanced their entire boys squad to state last fall by finishing third at the district meet. Quade (54th) and McMillan (56th) were the top performers at state. 