softball
Year in Photos — Barry County softball
Exeter’s Hallie Woods lays a bunt during a matchup with Purdy last season.
Savage succeeds Coach V at Cassville
A Barry County native who returned to the area recently is taking over the Cassville softball program this fall, succeeding Coach Lori Videmschek and inheriting a Lady Wildcats team fresh off its first ever district championship. Jordan Savage, a 2012 Southwest graduate, attended and played baseball at Mineral Area Community College and Lindenwood-Belleville (Ill.), then student-taught at Purdy under Eagles Baseball Coach Joshua Hughes.
Year in Photos — Cassville softball
Throughout the summer, the Cassville Democrat will feature the best unprinted photos from each team photographed during the 2023-2024 athletics seasons. — KT .
Conference champs want to get back to state
There was nothing the Purdy senior softball players wanted more this year than to return to the Class 1 state tournament. Freshmen when the Lady Eagles won the state title in 2021, Purdy’s seniors this year came as close as they could to a state run, falling to Ash Grove, 4-3, on a walk-off in the district championship bout.
Lady Trojans testing IQ
Going 9-13 this season, the Southwest softball team consistently worked on one major goal — testing its IQ. Emily Snyder, Lady Trojans softball coach, said the team this season achieved some team goals and missed some others.
Exeter wins first Ozark 7 championship
The Exeter softball team walked off with a new title on April 16 — Ozark 7 Conference champion. The Lady Tigers (12-6) won their first ever conference hardware with an 8-7 home win over College Heights with McAuley Catholic.
Rebuilding with mechanics
Six starters return to a Southwest softball team billing itself as in a rebuilding year and ready to battle through growing pains. Emily Snyder, Southwest softball coach, said the Lady Trojans have been working through the summer to improve, specifically in regard to mechanics.
Purdy begins title chase
Purdy is three years removed from its Class 1 state title season, and the freshmen on that team enter their senior season hungry for a return to postseason glory. Lori Videmschek, Purdy softball coach, said three seniors and eight returning starters will take to the diamond this season, setting the goals of winning the conference and the district, then pushing to the Class 1 final four.
Wheaton softball team recognized for Hall of Fame induction
Members of the Wheaton softball team from 1993-1997 were recognized on Friday at halftime of the Wheaton-Hurley Homecoming game. The squad was inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame on Oct. 18, 2023. The 1993-1997 Wheaton High School softball era was a formidable force: 1993, third place in state; 1994, second place in state; 1995, third place in state; 1996, state championship; 1997, fourth place in state.
