Coach’s comments: “They (CG) gave me a call, and this was an opportunity that I couldn’t resist professionally. I inherited a super bunch of players. These girls have played together for a long time; it’s a matter of fine-tuning & building confidence. We must find a way to produce from the bottom of the lineup, too. They know they can hit, so it’s a matter of calming them in the box when the pressures on – just go with the game. We have gamers. When I sit back and watch them play, it’s fun. I trust them in what they do, but if I see some road bumps we will adjust. Abbie Herbst is primed to play; it’s her leadership and the other kids play off that. I just trust that they are ready.
CENTER GROVE (4A, 30-2) – Firstyear Trojans coach Alyssa Coleman led Speedway to 2A state title last year … takes over for hall of fame coach Russ Milligan (27 seasons, 741-95, five state championships) … team hit phenomenal .401 … opened last year with 23 straight wins … graduated Jordyn Rudd (.525, 52 hits, 45 RBI, 10 home runs), Carolyn Anderson (.368) & Brittney York … senior leaders, pitcher Abby Herbst (.583, 56 hits, 48 RBI; 21-1, 0.56 ERA), middle infielder Piper Belden (.500), Addie Homeier (.500) & Tess Lawyer-Smith play with heart … plenty of ability in juniors, catcher Lexi Fair (.378), infielders Kennedy Bader (.357), Kaci Finchum (.416), Lauren Wackerly (.286), outfielder Jillian Ransdell (.294) & pitcher Brooke York … soph pitcher Alexis Rudd adds depth … no wavering in high expectations.
Coach’s comments: “They (CG) gave me a call, and this was an opportunity that I couldn’t resist professionally. I inherited a super bunch of players. These girls have played together for a long time; it’s a matter of fine-tuning & building confidence. We must find a way to produce from the bottom of the lineup, too. They know they can hit, so it’s a matter of calming them in the box when the pressures on – just go with the game. We have gamers. When I sit back and watch them play, it’s fun. I trust them in what they do, but if I see some road bumps we will adjust. Abbie Herbst is primed to play; it’s her leadership and the other kids play off that. I just trust that they are ready.
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FRANKLIN CENTRAL (4A, 17-10) – Flashes’ only softball coach Kathy Stricker returns for 41st season … graduated 5 seniors (combined 156 hits, 67 RBI), including Katie Back (.386, 34 hits, 9-7, 3.23 ERA) … 11-2 on road last year … first season in rugged Hoosier Crossroads Conference … solid fielding (.962 avg.) … senior Casey Mathews (7-1), 3.68 ERA), improved lefty Haley Pardue & sophs Josie Newman and Morgan Back to pitch … top outfielder Jordan Nickels … catchers Erika Bowman, recovered from knee surgery, Madison Weaver (.417) & frosh Brenna Fink and Carolyn Raters play multiple spots … junior Emma Herron (333, 29 hits, 18 RBI), sophs Macee Roberts (.426) & Olivia Colip good at the corners and can hit … new lefty hitter Regan Lamar, quick junior Vanna Vaughn, athletic outfielder Grace Marcum, lefty Makayla Campbell can handle bat … middle infield spots up for grabs. Coach’s comments: “I think these kids will grow as the season goes on. If they come out and do their jobs individually on the field, the other pieces take care of themselves. We have a lot of kids we can intermix at certain positions. Our outfield corps is young. We have some kids who are solid at the plate. We have some good freshmen coming into the corps, also. Our core kids are solid. We had great competition in the Conference Indiana, but we also have also played a lot of the teams in the HCC. I think we may have some moments when we will struggle, but we will do well this season. |
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December 2023
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