By Tyler F. Thompson (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
For Logan-Rogersville softball head coach Manny Flores, returning a solid, experienced core to the diamond this fall is a nice precursor to the 2025 campaign.
The Wildcats authored an 11-19 record last year, falling 9-3 to the Seneca Indians in the Class 3 District 6 tournament.
But that was last year and the ‘Cats have their eyes on a deeper run this fall.
Returning an experienced core with another year under their figurative belts has ignited a spark over the summer months.
“I think our biggest asset this year is going to be our returning starters,” said Flores, who enters his fourth season at the helm.
Bella Pope, who went 10-13 with a 4.70 ERA in 24 games last year as a freshman, returns to the circle.
“She will be our No. 1, and we also have an incoming freshman, Riley Mathiesen, and she will see some innings. That will be our 1 and 2. We will be pretty young in the circle,” Flores said.
Returning seniors include Abby Filak (CF); Amelia Booth (C); Sydney Prenger (SS); and Bri Simmerman (spot starting OF).
Booth led the charge last season as she hit .422 and added a .559 OBP.
The catcher, who has taken great leaps behind the dish, also had double-digit extra base hits one year ago.
“She has been a varsity starter the past three years,” Flores said of Booth.
Having a senior field general setting up shop behind the dish bodes well for both Pope and Mathiesen.
Pope was named to the first-team for conference, district and region one year ago.
“We are expecting a lot out of her this year,” Flores said of Pope. “I think she will be able to provide for us.”
Having Booth for one more go-round is an added bonus for Flores, Pope and Mathiesen.
Said Flores: “It makes a world of difference. With the summer workouts we are doing, the type of communication — how she communicates to everyone on the field. The catching position is so hard, to have that veteran who already knows our expectations and what we want, it is almost like having a coach on the field.”
Prenger hit .312, with 13 extra base hits and led the way with 26 RBI.
Filak hit .291 with a .449 OBP while swiping 21 bags.
Avery Robinson stole 20 bags while hitting .356.
The outlook this year is simple, improve upon last year’s 11-win campaign.
“Like I have been preaching to the girls, for us, it is getting this program back to where it has been in the past. I expect us to have a winning record this year. In my opinion, we should win 20-plus games as long as we are executing the way we should. And I know that we can, with having everyone returning,” said Flores.
Returning starters include Booth; Pope; Courtney Batey (3B); Prenger; Robinson (2B); Filak; Riley Luikart (1B/DP); Marie Keltner (LF) and Simmerman.
Keltner smashed a .314 average and stole 12 bags in ’24.
Batey hit .283 with double digit extra base hits while driving in 23.
Collectively, the Wildcats smacked a .304 average, with more than 50 extra base hits.
The preseason jamboree is slated for Aug. 22 at Kickapoo.
The season opener is slated for Aug. 29-30 when Rogersville suits up for the 2025 People’s Bank Back to School Classic.
On Sept. 3, the ‘Cats will host Cassville before heading to Monett on Sept. 4.
The regular season will conclude Oct. 13 when the Wildcats host Hartville.
The final eight games will take place at Rogersville.
