2013 Preview: McClain Lady Tigers Softball
Lead Summary
By
Stephen Forsha-sforsha@gmail.com
For the past two seasons, the McClain softball team has won the South Central Ohio League championship, including a 12-0 mark in league games last season. This season, however, with the loss of their entire infield to graduation, the Lady Tigers will have to step up their play with new faces to three-peat as champions in 2013.
For head coach Jarrod Haines and his staff, the question is how they will reload positions lost by six seniors, including their All-Ohio catcher Jenna Perie as MHS was 20-4 last season, losing in the district semifinal.
Returning starters from the two-time champions are senior pitcher Cierra Landrum, junior center fielder Allison Willett, senior first baseman (was designated player last year) Morgan Dettwiller and sophomore catcher (was left field last season) Shania Massie.
Massie batted .468 last season, gaining 44 hits (eight doubles, four triples, nine home runs), while adding 36 runs and a team-high 45 RBIs.
Landrum batted .541 one year ago, leading the team in batting average at the lead-off spot. She totaled 46 hits, with 45 singles and one double. She scored 37 runs and totaled 12 RBIs.
Willett added 19 runs last season, with nine RBIs, 18 hits and a batting average of .290. Dettwiller totaled 23 hits (three doubles, one triple), with 19 runs and 17 RBIs.
Also back at the varsity level are junior third baseman Katy Unger (batted .391 in 23 at-bats in '12), sophomore shortstop Sarah Thompson and junior utility player Caitlyn Lovett.
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New to the varsity team are junior utility player Sylvee Duff; sophomore outfielder/infielder Sydney Barton; and freshmen Valerie Caldwell (second base), Kelcey Smith (utility), Savannah Anderson (second base) and Anna Ehlers (outfielder).
"The lack of experience in the infield is a concern, and we haven't really been able to get outside much to work, so the weather hasn't been much help," Haines said. "I will say I've been surprised with what I've seen in the gym.
"The girls are talented, but they were just sitting behind six seniors last year. We need our two seniors this year to step up and be the leaders, as both are four-year varsity players."
Haines said his concern at the plate is the six through nine spots in the order.
"In the past, we were 1-9 strong in the order," he said. "Now, we have to replace a lot of hitting. I like our 1-6 spots right now, but the six through nine spots are just as important.
"The girls will have to make good decisions, and I feel our depth is strong overall."
The schedule for MHS will begin with a matchup with Logan Elm, who reached the state final four last season, all the while trying to defend their SCOL title for the third straight year.
"Everyone has pitching returning in the league this season," Haines said. "We just have to be ready to play and give it our best each time we take the field. That's all we can ask for.
"Having the variety of girls in different grades is a good thing to have in the program. The girls will just have to continue to work hard and work to improve every game."
For head coach Jarrod Haines and his staff, the question is how they will reload positions lost by six seniors, including their All-Ohio catcher Jenna Perie as MHS was 20-4 last season, losing in the district semifinal.
Returning starters from the two-time champions are senior pitcher Cierra Landrum, junior center fielder Allison Willett, senior first baseman (was designated player last year) Morgan Dettwiller and sophomore catcher (was left field last season) Shania Massie.
Massie batted .468 last season, gaining 44 hits (eight doubles, four triples, nine home runs), while adding 36 runs and a team-high 45 RBIs.
Landrum batted .541 one year ago, leading the team in batting average at the lead-off spot. She totaled 46 hits, with 45 singles and one double. She scored 37 runs and totaled 12 RBIs.
Willett added 19 runs last season, with nine RBIs, 18 hits and a batting average of .290. Dettwiller totaled 23 hits (three doubles, one triple), with 19 runs and 17 RBIs.
Also back at the varsity level are junior third baseman Katy Unger (batted .391 in 23 at-bats in '12), sophomore shortstop Sarah Thompson and junior utility player Caitlyn Lovett.
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New to the varsity team are junior utility player Sylvee Duff; sophomore outfielder/infielder Sydney Barton; and freshmen Valerie Caldwell (second base), Kelcey Smith (utility), Savannah Anderson (second base) and Anna Ehlers (outfielder).
"The lack of experience in the infield is a concern, and we haven't really been able to get outside much to work, so the weather hasn't been much help," Haines said. "I will say I've been surprised with what I've seen in the gym.
"The girls are talented, but they were just sitting behind six seniors last year. We need our two seniors this year to step up and be the leaders, as both are four-year varsity players."
Haines said his concern at the plate is the six through nine spots in the order.
"In the past, we were 1-9 strong in the order," he said. "Now, we have to replace a lot of hitting. I like our 1-6 spots right now, but the six through nine spots are just as important.
"The girls will have to make good decisions, and I feel our depth is strong overall."
The schedule for MHS will begin with a matchup with Logan Elm, who reached the state final four last season, all the while trying to defend their SCOL title for the third straight year.
"Everyone has pitching returning in the league this season," Haines said. "We just have to be ready to play and give it our best each time we take the field. That's all we can ask for.
"Having the variety of girls in different grades is a good thing to have in the program. The girls will just have to continue to work hard and work to improve every game."