By Chris Parker
Halfway will be a young team this year with no seniors on the roster coming off a 17-7 campaign.
Four starters in juniors Tessa Cline, Jada Breshears and Rea Spear along with sophomore Mackenzie Grindstaff return.
“We have no seniors, so we will be looking to our starting juniors to lead our team,” Halfway head coach Amber Cline said. “Tessa Cline has played the game at a very high level for several years. She is a natural leader on the field and in the lineup. She has a very high game IQ. Jada Breshears also has a lot of game knowledge, and she is not afraid to get dirty on the field and show others what it takes to make a play. Jada also brings power to the plate. Rae is a strong vocal leader in the outfield with a very strong arm to throw runners out.”
Tessa Cline will be the team’s top pitcher, but she is still recovering from an injury from basketball season. She was the ace in the circle last season. Freshmen Madi Doke, Raeghan Timmerman and MaryGrace Cline could all see time at pitcher along with Breshears while Cline recovers.
Grindstaff and freshman Josie Chate are the leading contenders for time at catcher. Whoever is not catching will likely play first base.
Breshears, who has traditionally played third base, has a good chance to slide over to shortstop. Doke, Timmerman and MaryGrace Cline along with Choate and junior Gabby Radford will also be in the mix for time on the infield.
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Spear will be the leader in the outfield as the only returning starter. Sophomore Hannah Maggard along with Choate, Doke, Timmerman and MaryGrace Cline are in the mix for the other two outfield spots.
Ashlyn McCarthy is a fifth freshman who is currently out with injury but could work her way back to a varsity spot when healthy.
Versatility will be a hallmark of this season’s team.
“We will have a lot of speed and strength in well-rounded athletes in all areas,” Cline said. “When most of our players can play most positions, it brings for a fun inner competition amongst each other.”
Many of Halfway’s players have shown off-season improvement, but Coach Cline pointed to Grindstaff and Spear as two players who have stood out with their improvements along with the freshman class.
“This summer Makenzie has really stepped up with her bat. She has really come to find her power and I really feel will help replace some of the big bats we graduated,” Cline said. “Rea Spear has really been working hard to be stronger in our lineup. As a team we have put in a weights and speed training program to get stronger and faster. We bring in a lot of freshmen with a lot of talent. These girls play strong travel softball and put in a lot of hours outside of school. They will all bring a lot of talent and speed to our game.”
Halfway will compete in a jamboree at Hillcrest on Aug. 18 before opening the regular season on Aug. 25-26 at its home tournament.
“I believe these girls will compete in every game,” Cline said. “I think they will be a fun group to watch. If we can play mentally tough, I think you will see big things from this group.”
