2020 Fall Preview: Walnut Grove Softball

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By Dana Harding (For OzarksSportsZone.com)

Walnut Grove softball enjoyed a successful season in 2019.

The 12-8 Lady Tigers captured a Class 1 District 3 championship before falling to Weaubleau in the state sectional round.

New head coach Dana Meinders takes over the dugout responsibilities for Walnut Grove this season.

Meinders has previous coaching experience at Crest Ridge, Butler, Walnut Grove, Aurora and Chadwick. As a player, she won a state championship at Morrisville and a national championship at Missouri Southern State University.

“I am excited about the opportunity to coach a well-rounded team with unlimited potential,” Meinders said.

While all coaches tend to be optimistic prior to the season, Meinders’ is warranted.

After graduating a lone senior in third baseman Cortney Stevens, Walnut Grove is healthy and loaded for bear this season.

Eight of the Lady Tigers nine starters return, including a pair of all-state senior honorees in shortstop Faith Gilkey and pitcher MaKayla McVay.

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Gilkey hit .408 last season at the top of the order with 20 runs batted in, 24 stolen bases and 20 runs scored. Thrust into the role of primary pitcher due in 2019 due to injuries, Gilkey will move back to her natural position in 2020.

“(Gilkey) is an all-around athlete that can play anywhere,” Meinders said. “Moving her back to her strongest position, shortstop, will be huge for us as she has a golden glove with excellent arm strength, speed and range.”

After earning all-state honors as a sophomore (.585 BA, 4 HR, 42 RBI, 9 SB, 8-5, 2.56 ERA, 109 K), McVay missed her junior season following ACL surgery.

“To say we are excited to have (McVay) back is an understatement,” Meinders said. “Her leadership is vital as she will play a major role on the mound and at the plate.”

Senior catcher Lauren Johnson hit .561 last season with six triples and 33 runs batted in.

“Lauren is an all-around athlete that could play anywhere on the field,” Meinders said. “She’s a beast behind the plate, blocks the ball well, keeps runners on the bases and has excellent arm strength.”

Senior second baseman Morgan Hailey hit .356 in 2019 with 11 stolen bases and 20 runs scored.

“Morgan is a scrappy player that works hard and will do what it takes to get the job done,” Meinders said. “She’s a slap hitter with speed that can cause some problems for the defense.”

Senior center fielder Maddie Hughes hit .327 last season with 14 runs batted in.

“I saw Maddie take a hit to the eye that didn’t even phase her last season,” Meinders said. “She’s an extremely coachable player that is tough, doesn’t complain and works hard.”

Senior left fielder April Countryman, junior right fielder Skylar Boyd, junior first baseman Anna Bourke, sophomore Harlee Maxwell and sophomore Jaedyn Johnson also return for the Lady Tigers.

A trio of freshmen will also compete for varsity playing time, including Raygan Dougherty, Kinleigh Bolin and Lexi Buckner.

With a host of multi-sport athletes on the roster, Meinders feels her senior-laden team has plenty of leadership and championship experience returning.

“I feel like our biggest strength is our experience,” Meinders said. “With six seniors on the field, we should take the field with confidence and be able to execute plays. Four of these seniors have won back to back state championships in basketball and I’m looking for that athleticism, leadership and confidence to roll over into softball.”

Walnut Grove opens its season Aug. 29 with two games in the Walnut Grove Festival.

The Lady Tigers’ regular season begins Sep. 1 at home against Wheatland.

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