Lady Wildcats softball looking to build on program momentum

By Kyle Troutman [email protected]

After a memorable and historic season that built excitement around the Cassville softball program, Coach Jordan Savage said the Lady Wildcats enter this fall’s campaign with momentum, experience and a determination to keep improving.

Cassville returns a strong core of players from last year’s team, while also adding several newcomers to create what Savage believes could be one of the program’s deepest rosters in recent seasons.

“I believe we have a lot of positive momentum heading into this season,” Savage said. “The girls have been excited and have worked hard this offseason. However, while we are proud of what we did last season, we understand that this is a new year and we have things to improve on.”

Savage said the players have balanced celebrating last season’s accomplishments with maintaining a focus on daily improvement.

“I believe the girls have done a good job of appreciating the year we had while also working hard to get better every day this summer,” he said.

A key part of Cassville’s success will be its pitching staff, which will be led by senior Tomi Blankenship and junior Madi Yockey. Both pitchers have spent the offseason preparing for expanded roles in the circle.

“Tomi and Madi have both worked extremely hard while looking forward to this opportunity to lead our pitching staff,” Savage said. “I expect them both to have great years for us.”

Cassville will also add depth in the circle with newcomers Scoti Blankenship and Natalie Thompson expected to contribute innings.

The Lady Wildcats will have to overcome one significant loss, as junior Lili Naugle will miss the season after undergoing offseason surgery.

“Lili has been a great player for us the past two seasons, and we can’t wait until she returns to our lineup,” Savage said.

Offensively, Savage said Cassville has the potential to be more balanced and consistent throughout the lineup. He said the team placed an emphasis during the offseason on improving swings and becoming tougher from top to bottom.

“I have been extremely pleased with how our swings have looked this summer and how much work our girls have put in toward the offensive side,” Savage said. “A big focus for us was just to become more consistent at the plate throughout the lineup.”

While summer workouts provide optimism, Savage said game situations will be the true test.

“I believe our lineup will be a tough out and have the ability to score runs in multiple ways,” he said.

Cassville returns a veteran nucleus that includes Tomi Blankenship, Yockey, Bri Still, Alex Holycross, Briley Artherton, Addy Ramaeker, Kynzleigh Scott and Harlee Carter.

Joining that group are newcomers Lynkin Carter, Ava Gates, Scoti Blankenship, Thompson, Jade Easley, Madi Gaches, Jolene Stone, Madi Cook, Allie Norris and Kai Hinson.

The competition for playing time has already created a more competitive environment in practice.

“I believe we will have a deep team that will look to compete every day in practice for spots, which should only help us when our season kicks off,” Savage said.

Defensively, Cassville expects to remain one of the stronger teams in the area. Savage pointed to the team’s softball knowledge and communication as major strengths.

“Defensively, I expect us to continue to be very sound and improve upon what we have done the last few years,” he said. “I believe we have some girls with a high softball IQ that are very good at communicating and know how to handle different situations.”

Savage said his expectations for the season remain consistent year after year, focusing on daily growth while also keeping the game enjoyable for players.

“My expectations for this season are the same as they have been,” he said. “I expect us to work each day in practice to get better and improve both individually and as a team while also not losing sight of the fact that this game is supposed to be fun and something that is meant to be enjoyed.”

He said creating an environment where players can be themselves while pursuing team goals is an important part of the program’s culture.

“I try to allow every girl to be themselves while also understanding we have team goals that should be the focus of our work each day,” Savage said.

Now entering another season in charge of the Lady Wildcats, Savage reflected on his journey into softball coaching. A former baseball player and coach, he said learning the differences between the two sports helped shape his coaching philosophy.

“As a former baseball player and baseball coach my transition into softball at the start of my career was not always the easiest,” Savage said. “While on the outside it may look similar, they truly are two completely different games and call for different situations and ways to play the game.”

Savage credited time spent at East Newton and McDonald County for helping him grow as a coach and teacher.

“I can’t thank those people enough that impacted the way I approach coaching and teaching,” he said.

With a veteran core, developing depth and strong competition for playing time, the Lady Wildcats believe they have the pieces to build on last season’s success. The challenge now, Savage said, is to continue improving one day at a time while embracing the opportunities that come with a new season.

Cassville’s regular season begins on Aug. 31 on the road against Glendale. The home opener is Sept. 1 against Logan-Rogersville.