Carthage softball has been a model of consistency over the last several years, and the Tigers are looking to continue that trend in 2023.
The Tigers finished with 19 wins a year ago, which has been near the average over the past several seasons. After graduating a pair from last year’s team, Carthage returns a plethora of varsity experience with the opportunity to surpass the bar set over the last few seasons under coach Stephanie Ray.
“The girls are excited to get back on the field and show how hard they have worked in the offseason,” Ray said. “They are ready to get out there and prove they are a team to not be overlooked this season. We finished last season 19-16, with six of those losses by one run. This was our third winning season in a row while averaging 20 wins a season. Of course, we are looking to now make this four. Even though we graduated two seniors, we have nine other girls who started at some point last year and made huge contributions to the success of our season. We possibly could start Game 1 with girls who have all started in a varsity game before, which is huge.”
Three seniors return to the starting lineup this season—catcher Brooklynn Dolon-Main (.313 BA, 20 RBI), 1B Alexis Smith (.284, 29 RBI) and OF Shelby Hegwer (24 RBI).
The returning junior class is filled out by OF Lexa Youngblood (.319, 30 runs, 14 RBI), who will be transitioning from left to center field, all-conference and all-district 3B Jenna Calhoon (.445, 5 HRs, 37 RBI), all-district SS Ashlyn Brust (.362, 39 runs, 21 RBI, 20 SBs), DP Aven Willis (.300, 28 runs) and P Addie Wallace (9-5, 3.78 ERA).
Sophomore 2B Lottie Youngblood returns her versatility to the varsity squad as well.
“The fact that we have nine girls returning with real varsity experience is definitely a strength for our program,” Ray said. “They know what to expect when the season gets going, and they know what it takes to win games. They are competitors. They compete with each other every day at practice to get better and push their teammates. They know in order to reach our goals, they have to find that next level.”
New faces to the varsity level include juniors Addison Bayless (OF) and Ali Wicklund (C) and sophomore 1B Jaycee Bayless. Several freshmen, including P Emma Stark, could also make an appearance at the varsity level this season as well.
“We have the capability to put the pressure on other defenses with our speed,” Ray said about her team’s strengths this season. “Last year, our offensive production was up from the previous two years. That was definitely exciting to see. We averaged a little over seven runs a game while only being shutout once. Even with the graduation of Landry Cochran and Ashlynn Jackson, we return a majority of our offensive production. We return at least five starters who each drove in 20 plus runs last season.
“Defensively, we return our whole infield. They have had the summer to continue to work and grow together.”
While defense and offensive production, along with experience, will be Carthage’s biggest strengths, the biggest concern this season for the Tigers will be in the circle, but it won’t be for a lack of options between Wallace, Lottie Youngblood and Stark.
“Our pitching staff, as a whole will be really young this season, but they each bring something
different to the table,” Ray said. “All three are hard workers and have been putting in the time this off season for the chance to compete this fall.”
With so many players returning this season, Coach Ray wants to see her team make the necessary improvements the Tigers struggled with at times last season. Most notably, getting better in late-game situations with the lead and when working on a comeback.
“In order for us to be successful this year, we need to rely on our strengths and learn to play with leads and shut the door and not allow teams back in the game,” Ray said. “Fortunately, we have nine girls who have tons of varsity experience and are all another year older.
“So far, our senior class has done a great job leading this young group during the summer and
through the first week of practice. They have shown tremendous growth and I believe their leadership is going to be key as we continue on into our season.”
Carthage opens the season with an appearance in the 29th Annual Morrisville Softball Tournament on Aug. 25-26 before hosting Camdenton in the home opener on Aug. 28.
