Fall 2019 Preview: Reeds Spring Softball

reeds-spring-erickson

By Dana Harding (For OzarksSportsZone.com)

While 2018 was a successful year for the Reeds Spring softball program, the Lady Wolves were left wanting more.

Reeds Spring finished with an 18-6 record, falling in the opening round of the district tournament.

“I felt like we could have gone a little further in districts, but we lost to a very good Bolivar team,” Reeds Spring coach Scott Walker said. “I think we’re hungry for this season.”

Walker’s first order of business will be finding suitable replacements for four key graduates, including center fielder Abby Rudd (.357 BA, 1 HR, 18 RBI), shortstop Courtney Scobee (.329 BA, 1 HR, 13 RBI), first-baseman Dusty Welch (.342 BA) and left fielder Keeley Bauer.

Fortunately for the Lady Wolves, there’s plenty of firepower still on the roster.

Reeds Spring will be led by senior all-state selection Izzy Erickson (.459 BA, 8 HR, 32 RBI, 23 SB, 12-5, 230K). The Big 8 Conference Pitcher of the Year is one of the most accomplished players in the program’s history, according to Walker.

Erickson will be joined by classmates Brooke Davis (.375 BA, 1 HR, 15 RBI, 6-1, 1.42 ERA) and Maddison Cantrell (.449 BA, 2 HR, 23 RBI). Junior Tori Scobee (.310 BA) and sophomore Lexi Essick, who was injured midway through the 2018 season, also return.

Reeds Spring’s three seniors also enter their final seasons chasing some significant milestones.

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Both Davis and Cantrell are closing in on 100 career hits, while Erickson is expected to break the school’s career home run record.

Walker and the Lady Wolves will also benefit from a host of varsity newcomers and other returning players eager to make an impact this season, including juniors Cassidy Quick, Ashley Nolan, Mariah Cantrell and Kaleaia Vangenderen, sophomore Alexis Baskins and freshmen Mariah Miller and Ally Fletcher.

With several players returning from injury, Walker expects big things within the lineup, provided the Lady Wolves can remain injury-free.

“Our senior leadership — and the experience they have — are big strengths,” Walker said. “We’ve got some kids returning from injury; how they recover will play a big role in our season. Staying healthy is our primary concern at this point.”

In the circle, things will begin and end with Erickson, who will anchor a very strong pitching staff. Davis and Fletcher could see varsity time, as well.

“[Erickson] has been playing a brutal summer schedule to get ready to play this fall and in college,” Walker said. “She’s developed some more movement on some pitches.”

Reeds Spring opens its season Aug. 30 at Carl Junction.

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