Cassville softball aims to keep winning seasons coming

BY KYLE TROUTMAN ktroutman@cassville-democrat.com

Coming off its winningest season in program history, the Cassville softball team has no intention of slowing down.

The Lady Wildcats, who won their first-ever district championship in 2023, posted a 19-14 mark last year and fell to Nevada, 7-6, in the Class 3, District 6 championship in a 13-inning thriller.

Jordan Savage, Lady Wildcats coach in his second year, said looking at this season, he is confident in the experience and leadership returning to this year’s roster.

Six varsity starters return to the diamond, including: Aubrey Stoufer, Tyra Sturgell, Nevaeh Johnson, Tomi Blankenship, Lili Naugle and Madi Yockey, The return of Joei Blankenship, Hadley Moore and Bri Still brings the team to nine letterwinners coming back.

Savage said the Lady Wildcats will be able to rely on multiple options in the circle.

“Stoufer, senior; Naugle, sophomore; and Tomi Blankenship, junior — these will be our main varsity starters and rotation, along with Yockey, sophomore, and Joei Blankenship, senior, seeing time in the circle,” Savage said.

Behind the plate, Savage said the team has several capable options. with Johnson, senior; Aubrey Taylor, sophomore; and Addy Ramaeker, freshman.

The infield lineup also returns experienced players, with younger talent pushing into the mix.

“Yockey, sophomore, third base; Stoufer, senior, shortstop; Still, sophomore, second base; Naugle, sophomore, first base; and Joei Blankenship, senior, first base, all return” Savage said. “Newcomers that also could push to be in the mix are Briley Artherton, freshman; Kynzleigh Scott, freshman; and Harlee Carter, freshman.”

Savage said the outfield will be anchored by upperclassmen, with underclassmen competing for spots.

“Sturgell, senior, left field; Tomi Blankenship, junior, center field; Johnson, senior, center field; Kierstan Fare, senior, right field; and Moore, senior, right field, all return” Savage said. “Newcomers that could also push to be in the mix are Alex Holycross, sophomore, and Briley Gross, sophomore.”

To return to district title territory, Savage said leadership will be key, especially from the senior class.

“We are looking at our seniors — Aubrey Stoufer, Nevaeh Johnson, Tyra Sturgell, Joei Blankenship, Kierstan Fare and Hadley Moore — this group should provide our leadership and set the example for the underclassmen of how to work and carry themselves throughout the season,” he said.

While leadership is important, Savage said improvements across the board will help the team.

“I believe all have made strides and improvements in their game throughout the offseason,” Savage said. “We have really focused on the offensive side this summer, as we lost a lot of offensive production through graduation from last season. That is an area we will continue to focus on.”

Savage said pitching will be the Lady Wildcats’ biggest strength.

“I believe that our pitching will be a main strength, not only the quality, but also the depth that we have is something I believe can carry us through the season,” he said. “We have the ability to keep pitchers fresh and not have to worry about getting burnt out.”

To reach their potential, Savage said the offense will need to rise to the challenge.

“Being able to score runs and give our pitchers the ability to pitch with a lead, and being able to attack hitters the way we want, will be a big key and focus for us,” he said.

Savage said he wants this year’s squad to continue building an identity rooted in competitiveness.

“As always, our identity will be with our ability to compete every day,” he said. “We pride ourselves on showing up each day with the focus on controlling what we can control, playing to the best of our abilities and embracing our roles on what we need to do in order for the team to have success.”

With a string of more successful seasons in the program, Savage said expectations remain high.

“We constantly talk about having high expectations while also focusing on and understanding what it takes to achieve those goals,” Savage said. “It is one thing to just simply state what your goals are but it’s another to attack each day with the purpose of achieving those goals, and that is something we focus on.”

The Lady Wildcats are 3-4 after Thursday’s 14-2 loss to Marshfield. Cassville next hosts Seneca on Thursday at 4:30 p.m.