By Staff

2018 Fall Preview: Kickapoo Softball

By Dana Harding (For OzarksSportsZone.com)

Kickapoo’s softball program continued its recent upswing in 2017.

A young and inexperienced lineup blossomed throughout the season, as the Lady Chiefs notched an impressive 21-9 record and a share of the Ozark Conference championship.

Kickapoo fell 2-0 to Ozark in the district title game, but head coach Jason Howser’s battle-tested squad could be poised for a deeper run in 2018.

“We were very inexperienced in 2017, but had great leadership from the few returning letterman we had,” Howser said. “Players like Lauryn Hickerson, Heather Chaffin and Kaitlyn Antrim were great teammates and led by example.”

While replacing graduates is never a simple task, the Lady Chiefs must also account for a new arm this season to replace Emily Admire, a second-team all-state selection now playing for Crowder Junior College.

In addition to all-state honors, Admire’s stat line in the circle (160 IP / 156K / 1.217 ERA) and at the plate (.430 / 12 HR / 42 RBI) garnered all-region, all-district, all-conference and Ozark Conference pitcher of the year honors.

“A player and leader like Emily Admire can’t be replaced,” Howser said. “Her numbers are very impressive, her maturity and leadership with a young team was equally impressive.”

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Graduation losses aside, Kickapoo’s lineup will feature plenty of weapons heading into the fall season.

Senior Chloe Bowen (3B) leads the charge for the Lady Chiefs. A four-year starter, Bowen enjoyed a solid 2017 campaign at the plate (.444 / 27 RBI) punctuated by zero strikeouts.

Sophomores Chloe Merced (SS) and Ellie Facklam (P) return after successful freshman seasons.

“Chloe had an outstanding year (.361 / 9 HR / 40 RBI) and really set the table for us,” Howser said. “Her ability to help the less-experienced players this fall will be big for us.”

After a season at second base, Facklam moves to the circle for the Lady Chiefs.

“Ellie Facklam will pitch for us this fall,” Howser said. “She is a strike-thrower and had a great freshman year offensively, as well (.350 / 10 RBI).”

Senior Carlee Wolfe (1B) and junior Kenzie Walker (OF) round out the list of Kickapoo’s key returnees.

“Carlee (.356 / 16 RBI) will be counted on to hit in the middle of the lineup and provide some RBI potential,” Howser said. “Kenzie (.309 / 19 RBI) will play in the outfield this fall, and we expect her to improve on her offensive numbers.”

With several open spots in the lineup, a host of newcomers could be poised to make an immediate impact this season.

Senior Brailyn Collins (UT) and junior Bri Mumm (OF) join a pair of sophomores in Maggi McKee (OF) and McKenna Fink (OF). Rounding out the list is a trio of freshmen in Kate Pierce (C), Megan Dancey (INF) and Bella Williams (OF).

Howser expects to field a more athletic squad on the defensive end this fall and feels the team’s success will be determined by its ability to compete in every pitch of the game.

“We have several new faces, so the lineup will be fluid for the first few weeks,” Howser said. “Our biggest challenge will be filling the leadership gap left by the seniors of 2017 and getting the inexperienced players up to speed with Class 4 softball.”

Following a jamboree with Parkview and Glendale, Kickapoo opens its season Aug. 24 at Nixa.