Young Lady Wildcats grow throughout 15-win season

By Kyle Troutman [email protected]

Things looked a little different for the Cassville softball team this season after making program history with a fourth-place finish in Class 3 in 2025.

The Lady Wildcats turned in a 15-18 record, falling 3-1 to Aurora in the Class 3, District 6 semifinals, but coach Jordan Savage said the team’s development and steady improvement made the year a success and promising looking toward 2027.

“Overall it was a successful season as a program because I believe our kids were able to learn and improve on a daily basis,” he said.

The Lady Wildcats showed that resilience in their season opener against Glendale, rallying for a walk-off 6-5 victory. Savage said the comeback helped establish an important message for the season — the opportunity to compete.

“I think it showed that if we continue to do the right things, no matter the situation, we can give ourselves a chance in every game,” he said.

Savage said there is always room for improvement, but he believes the program has established a standard of working hard and finding ways to get better every day.

Cassville had just one senior on its roster, pitcher Tomi Blankenship, giving the Lady Wildcats a young group that will return with valuable experience next year.

“We had a very young group this year, so I believe we will bring a lot of experience back next year which will allow us to continue to build on what they did and allow us to hit the ground running,” he said.

Blankenship earned a First Team All-Conference recognition as a pitcher and Second Team honors as an outfielder.

“I have enjoyed coaching her the last 3 seasons, and I am excited to see what she does in the future,” he said.

Blankenship was among nine Cassville players recognized in the All-Conference selections.

Briley Artherton earned First Team honors in the infield, while Lynkin Carter was named First Team in the outfield. Madi Yockey earned Second Team recognition as a pitcher and Honorable Mention in the infield. Addy Ramaeker was named Second Team as a catcher, while Ava Gates earned Second Team utility honors. Kynzleigh Scott received Honorable Mention in the infield.

Looking ahead, Savage said the program’s focus will remain on effort, learning and growing together rather than changing its approach.

“Our goal will always stay the same, which is to bring an incredible work ethic day in and day out while trying our best to learn and grow together as a team,” he said.