By Pat Dailey (For OzarkSportsZone.com)
Willard is looking to put everything together and claim what would be the program’s first COC championship and/or capture what would be the Lady Tigers’ first district title since 2011.
Coach AshLeigh Williams’ bunch is coming off a 22-8 campaign and has 55 wins over the past three seasons, but hasn’t been able to finish off a run for a COC crown or post-season championship.
“It (feels) like we’ve been knocking on the door for a few years now, but we’ve just come up short,” Williams said. “Even though we lost two important pieces (to graduation in Sydni Fletcher and Ryley Ritchey), I believe we’re reloaded and ready to make a run this year. Those two will be greatly missed, but they left a strong group behind. We’ll look to compete for a conference and district title. And once you get out of districts, anything can happen. I think these girls are up to that task and more.
“This group has been playing together for a long time and is ready to build off last year,” she added. “It should be a big year for a lot of them.”
Willard welcomes back seven starters, led by junior third baseman Alyson Miller and junior shortstop Reece Anderson.
Miller arguably has as much power potential as any hitter in the area. She has had some titanic blasts and already has 14 career home runs, after blasting eight as a freshman and six as a sophomore.
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“Alyson has really worked on being a complete hitter, trying to lower her strikeouts and increase her average,” Williams said. “We’ll look to her to take over Ritchey’s role and lead us on the offensive side.”
Anderson is also entering her third year as a starter. She’s proven herself with her glove and arm and will look to elevate her offense as Willard’s leadoff hitter.
“Reece has great speed, arm strength, hands and intelligence,” Williams said. “She’s also one of the hardest workers I’ve ever coached. She never takes a day or play off. She’s definitely our anchor defensively, but we’ll look to her to take a major step offensively this year.”
Williams also has high hopes for senior Abby McMillin, who will be starting for a fourth season.
“Abby saw most of her time last year at second, but she’ll see a lot more time in the circle to complement Hannah Burks,” Williams said. “When she’s not pitching, she’ll see time at second and maybe first. We’ll also look to her to lead us offensively. She has always had solid years, but she’s ready to break through this year.”
Williams is looking forward to Burks continuing to trend upward and assume the Lady Tigers’ No. 1 pitcher’s role.
“Hannah has taken tremendous strides every year. She does a great job in the off-season working on her weaknesses and turning those into strengths,” Williams said. “She’ll take on the majority of the load pitching-wise and we all believe she’s ready for it. She will also provide a punch offensively and much needed pop at the top of the lineup.”
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Kennedy Dalton will return to left field in her second year as a varsity starter.
“She has improved tremendously over the last few years and we’re expecting more of the same this season,” Williams said.
Harley Durr, a sophomore, will see time behind the plate and in the infield.
Kenadie Johnson, Jaz Rennison, Mia Davault and Gabby Devore will also contribute.
“Gabby will take over as our residential hype man and the heartbeat of this team,” Williams said. “Her contributions in the dugout and off the field cannot be measured and are invaluable to helping this team go.”
