By Amanda Perkins (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Last year, the Willow Springs Lady Bears focused on rebuilding after graduating their all-state pitching and catching tandem, ending the season with a loss to Hartville in district play. They’ve continued to put in the work in the off-season and the young team is ready to compete, with head coach Ryan Bunch returning to lead them in his third season at the helm.
The Lady Bears lose four veterans to graduation: Emily Scarbrough, Cadee Rothermich, Reagan Brook, and Courtney Melvin. These competitors won over sixty games during their high school careers and were part of two district championship teams.
Madison McDaniel is the lone senior on the roster. She hit .288 with 12 RBIs last season, scoring 18 runs and stealing 12 bases. McDaniel will move to third base.
First team all-district Chloe Chafin is a leader for the team. The junior hit .328 with 9 RBIs, 21 runs scored, and 21 stolen bases and is a formidable shortstop.
Eileshia Tinsley will take over catching duties and will hit in the middle of the lineup. “She has a strong arm behind the plate and plays the game as hard as anyone I have ever coached,” said Coach Bunch of the junior.
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Minnie Russell, junior, plays a solid left field and put up 9 RBIs, 11 runs, and 8 stolen bases last season.
Riley Scarbrough, sophomore, led the team in every pitching category in 2019 and returns as the ace. Riley also smacked three home runs, 11 RBIs, and 25 runs and had 19 stolen bases.
Sophomore Anna Minge will move to centerfield. She contributed on offense in her breakout season as well, hitting .282 with 8 RBIs, 8 runs, and 6 stolen bases. “Anna will be asked to pitch more this season, as she showed a lot of promise as a freshman,” said Bunch.
Stacie Johnson will take over at second base. The sophomore has put in work in the off-season and has improved her hitting as well. Classmate Ciarra Deckard could win a spot in the outfield with her talent and strong work ethic.
Madelyn Fair, freshman, will immediately step in to first base. Her good glove and knowledge of the game will be assets for the Lady Bears, per her coach.
Emma Spence had a successful summer at bat and will also take the mound as number two pitcher. The freshman will contribute in the outfield as well.
Freshman Emma Roberts is powerful at the plate and will add depth to the pitching staff, also playing a utility role.
“One of our strengths is team speed,” said Coach Bunch. “We will look to take the extra base, hit and run, and steal bases. Our goal is to work hard at practice, compete, and get better every day so we’re playing our best softball when districts are here.”
The Lady Bears will participate in the Norwood Jamboree August 21, followed by a tournament at Morrisville August 29. They will then take on East Carter September 1.
