The Wright City softball team is optimistic, as it returns three of its top four hitters from an 8-14 campaign last fall. The Wildcats welcome back five starters with considerable varsity time.
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The Wright City softball team is optimistic, as it returns three of its top four hitters from an 8-14 campaign last fall. The Wildcats welcome back five starters with considerable varsity time.
“We have seniors with varsity experience, and we expect them to provide a lot of leadership,” said Coach Fred Ross. “We’re still moving people around to see where we’re going go be at our best.”
Among the returners is junior second-team All-State selection Abigail Vossen, who batted .366 with 26 hits and 16 RBI.
“She’s a very vocal leader at third base and that showed with her accolades last year,” said Ross. “She made some unbelievable plays and got some recognition. Hopefully she can build upon a great season from last year.”
Senior Hannah Kendall returns to the outfield and will also brings pitching experience back to the mound. Last season she batted .362 with 25 hits and 16 RBI. As a pitcher she went 2-4, recording a 6.0 ERA through 30.1 innings pitched.
“We will rely on her more for pitching this season,” said Ross. “She throws the fast ball, drop and change up. She spots her fastball pretty well and changes speeds with her changeup. When it’s on, it’s really good.”
The Wildcats will also look to junior Emma Thomas for innings on the mound.
“She is a control pitcher, who is not going to overpower but will hit her spots,” said Ross.
Wright City welcomes back its only four-year starter in Tristen Head, who will return the catcher position. Last season she batted .438 with 26 hits and 25 RBI.
“She’s our team leader vocally and is ready to cap off her senior season,” said Ross. “She has worked hard and played for a good select team this summer. This should be a strong finish to her career at Wright City.”
After playing shortstop last season, Ellie Rodriguez will likely play outfield this fall.
The Wildcats also have senior Adison Fast returning at first base.
Seniors Kaelyn Wegrzyn and Emma Wegrzyn will contribute at second base and in the outfield.
Senior Riley Seagraves will also play a valuable role for the Wildcats.
“We hit the ball pretty well, and I think we’ll hit well again this year,” said Ross of the team’s offensive ability.
“Our defense will increase a little bit,” said Ross. “Some of the girls were thrown in during their first year on varsity and will better defensively. Pitching and defense are usually the keys and hopefully we can excel and get better throughout the season.”
The Wildcats await a challenging schedule that includes multiple teams who competed well into the playoffs last year.
“We want to compete for our conference and get better as the year goes by,” said Ross. “We’ve got one of the toughest conferences in the state if you look at finishes in state and district tournaments.”
