There is reason to be excited when talking about Carthage softball.
In Stephanie Ray’s first season as head coach a year ago, the Tigers finished with a 19-12 overall and came in second place in the Central Ozark Conference with a 7-2 record. Carthage will look to take the next step as seven starters return to the fold in 2021.
“We went 19-12 last year and I don’t know if the girls realized we could do that,” Ray said about the added experience coming back for the 2021 season. “Now, they know we are capable of it. They are so excited to get in here and get started. They are rolling off of the momentum from the offseason and ready to go.”
The Tigers’ returning starters are headlined by junior outfielder Landry Cochran and seniors Natalie Rodriguez (IF), Presley Probert (IF), Jensyn Elder (P), Mary Grace Richmond (OF), Jordyn Jones (IF) and Kate Potter (IF/P). Also returning for the Tigers are seniors Montana Fly (IF/OF) and Aspen Willis (OF), as well as junior Ashlynn Jackson (OF/P) and sophomores Alexis Smith (C/IF) and Brooklynn Dolon-Main (IF).
“We are deep in a lot of positions this year,” Ray said. “Returning almost our entire lineup and our entire defense is going to be huge for us this year.”
Offensively, Cochran led the Tigers with a .451 batting average last season, adding 19 RBI and 36 runs scored as well. She also led Carthage in hits with 46. Rodriguez hit .402 to go along with 25 RBI and 31 runs scored. Probert batted .337 BA with 19 RBI and 23 runs scored.
In the circle, Elder finished with 17 wins,156 strikeouts and a 2.40 earned-run average.
“Landry led us in a lot of offensive categories last season,” Ray said. “She was consistent all season. She was a hard out every game and will lead us at the top of the lineup and in center field.
“Having Jensyn back is huge because our defense is so comfortable behind her. They understand if the ball gets put in play to be ready to go make a play. They love playing defense with her in the circle. She works hard out there.”
Carthage’s biggest asset is obviously its returning experience, including the entire infield. Six of the seven returning starters are seniors, with several upperclassmen available off the bench as well. The focus will be doing the little things correctly in all three phases of the game.
“I think we need to be more consistent,” Ray said. “Last year, we started off about .500 and built momentum as the season went and picked it up at the end. I would like to see us start off a little bit quicker this year. … I expect us to work hard and be ready to compete with whoever we share the field with.”
Carthage opens the season in the Rockwood Summit softball tournament Aug. 27-28.
