By Chris Parker
Diamond softball came up on game short of advancing to the Class 1 state tournament by 4-0 losing to eventual final four participant Mt. Vernon in the Class 1 District 11 title game.
“We didn’t hit or provide offensive opportunities that game. This year one of our focuses has to be making adjustments at the plate,” Diamond head coach Kelsey Parrish said.
Diamond finished with a 15-6 overall record. This year the Lady Wildcats have the pieces to make a deep run into the postseason.
The returning players are led by all-conference, all-region and all-state selection Madi Bentley. Bentley earned all those honors as just a freshman for her performance in the circle pitching.
“Madi is a hardworking kid who absolutely loves the game of softball, that’s an unstoppable combo. She understands the game well and does her job at the plate,” Parrish said. “She owns that circle and the responsibility that comes with it. Her energy inspires the entire team.”
Bentley brings a mature approach to the circle.
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“I would say my mind set (is my strength). I have a good head and not let things get to me. And try to work hard for the next pitch and forget about the bad ones,” Bentley said.
She is also a force at the plate. Last year, Bentley led the team in batting average (.528), total hits (38), home runs (5) and on-base percentage (.588).
Senior McKaley Greninger (utility) along with junior Grace Irwin (outfield) and sophomores Lexy Bridges (infield) and Leslie Watson (infield) all return for the Lady Wildcats. Bridges brings speed to the team after leading Diamond in both triples (four) and steals (10) last year.
There are still some questions as to what the opening day lineup will be after Diamond graduated a four-player senior class.
“To be honest due to graduating four starters last year and a few injuries I’m not certain yet who will step up and be my starting nine,” Parrish said. “I guess that’s the battle of a small-town program. This year to improve our success we are going to have to have a few step up and lead. We have a very young team with our huge leaders graduating last season.”
Parrish will hope her team rallies around this year’s theme of #polish.
“Every year I give the girls a theme, it’s the driving force of our season. We use it as a hashtag, reference it daily and mentally train around it. It’s our common goal,” Parrish said. “This year our theme is #polish. Everyone wants to shine, but not everyone wants to polish. We have to work harder to get farther than we did last season, and my expectation is that we give it all that we have.”
Diamond opens the season Mar. 20-21 at the Sarcoxie Tournament.
