By Chris Parker
Hollister softball is looking for a bounce-back season after finishing 5-19 last year. It was the first time the Lady Tigers finished below .500 in the four years as a spring softball program.
A solid core of six starters return to the lineup.
McKenzie Hamilton (senior catcher/utility), Kelly Garceau (junior pitcher) and Gracie Jennings (senior infield/outfield) will be the team’s leaders.
“Each of these players have had years of varsity experience, as well as experience through other Hollister sports that will provide them with opportunities to lead and guide our younger players,” Hollister head coach Rebekah Glenn said. “Each of these players show great grit, determination, and desire to do their best and will inspire their teammates to do the same. I am excited to see these girls lead their team this season.”
Garceau along with Madison Conway (sophomore) and Jadyn Hunt (freshman) will be the pitching staff.
“Kelly Garceau had varsity experience last season, Madison Conway controlled the circle with our junior varsity last season, and Jadyn Hunt is new to our program this year,” Hunt said. “These girls have grown substantially over our offseason and are ready to tackle our 2023 schedule. Our goal in the circle will be consistency through each inning and giving our best with each pitch.”
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The trio will throw to Hamilton behind the plate.
“McKenzie has been all around the field the last few years, playing wherever she was needed,” Glenn said. “This season she will be a presence behind the plate. McKenzie is a natural leader and has great softball knowledge, which will encourage our pitchers as well as our defense.”
Renee Sutton (senior), Josie Craig (junior), Kassie Patton (junior) and Jennings all return to play in the field.
“Each of these girls have had varsity experience and done great things for our team,” Glenn said. “Some of our returners may move around to different positions depending on our needs.”
Jadyn Escalante (junior) and Dylan Hunt (senior) will move up from junior varsity to varsity.
“They have had great experience that will make them vital to our team’s success,” Glenn said. “The best thing about our returning line up is their ability and willingness to play anywhere that benefits our program.”
Hollister will have a strong team concept in 2023.
“Our biggest strength will be our ability to play as a team,” Glenn said. “Each part of our game has taken big strides over our offseason and will give us the ability to work together on the field. We have worked really hard to continue to be strong in our hitting and we will definitely be able to make situations happen in the box and on the bases.”
Pitching and defense continue to be a focus for improvement.
“We have been consistently working on our pitching and defense since the 2022 season,” Glenn said. “A lot of our players have stepped up, worked on their own outside of school, and will play a huge role in the improvement and success in those areas this season.”
Hollister opens the season Mar. 21 at Buffalo.
“Our identity this season will be a team that doesn’t give up and gives their best effort each day,” Glenn said. “We have worked, and will continue to work, to be a team that is competitive in every game we play in. This is our overall expectation for our 2023 season. Softball is a game that deals with a large amount of failure. Failing is okay and accepted, but we will compete in every aspect of the game to overcome the failures and end up on top.”
