2022 Fall Preview: MCE Softball

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By Chris Parker

Marion C. Early softball has been one of the area’s most consistent fall softball programs over the past several years. The Lady Panthers have won district titles in each of the past two seasons and three of the past four.

MCE will look to make it three in a row with six starters returning this year. Four of those returning players earned post-season honors of some sort.

Leading the team will be senior shortstop Lauren Taylor and junior pitcher Hailey Presley.

“They both love and know the game very well and they have a positive attitude toward the team,” MCE head coach Mike McHolland said. “(They are) always are encouraging the team both at practice and games.”

Both players earned all-district and first-team all-region honors last year. Taylor hit .354 with 34 runs scored and 20 stolen bases. Presley threw 121 innings with 140 strikeouts and a 2.55 ERA. At the plate, Presley hit .415 with 33 RBI and 39 runs scored. She also stole 12 bases.

Juniors Taylor Blehm (catcher) and Maggie Painter (centerfielder) also earned first-team all-region and all-district honors last year.

Blehm hit .236 with 16 runs scored and 17 RBI. Painter led the team with a .441 batting average while scoring 18 runs and driving in 25 RBI. She stole seven bases as well.

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Senior left fielder Kirsten McGinnis and sophomore second baseman Macie Letterman are the final returning starters. McGinnis hit .262 with 10 runs scored as a junior. Letterman hit .255 with 11 runs scored.

“Overall, the team has improved both offensively and defensively from the spring season, summer league and shootouts,” McHolland said. “We have six returning starters coming back from last season who know our team system of doing things on the field the right way within the Lady Panther program. Our returning pitcher and a solid batting order should also be a strength for the team.”

Addie Bess (sophomore first base), Haley Madewell (freshman third base) and Miya Bess (sophomore right field) will round out the lineup for MCE.

MCE will travel to Glendale on Aug. 19 for a jamboree with the host Lady Falcons, Willard and Neosho. The Lady Panthers will open the regular season with their home tournament Aug. 26-27.

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“With eight lettermen and six starters returning from last season, hopefully the team can take the next steps in our postseason success in the past seasons,” McHolland said. “With an upgraded schedule along with a veteran team hopefully we can accomplish the next steps in the postseason.”

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