By Dana Harding (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
2024 proved to be a successful season for Marshfield softball.
The Blue Jays compiled a 23-6 record, falling to Bolivar in the Class 4 District 6 championship.
“We had a successful year last year,” said head coach James McAnarney.” We ran across a good Bolivar team in the district championship and fell short. We went undefeated in conference play and won the conference championship.”
With only one graduation loss, McAnarney and the Blue Jays are optimistic heading into the fall campaign.
“We return basically our whole lineup,” McAnarney said. “Our four seniors have already taken over the leadership role, and their drive to win is very evident.”
A quartet of talented seniors return to lead Marshfield including shortstop Gabi Austin (.349 AVG, 31 RBI, 2 HR, 5 SB), outfield/catcher Chloe Bateman (.442 AVG, 36 RBI, 5 HR, 7 SB), second baseman Taryn Mohn (.305 AVG, 18 RBI, 14 SB) and outfielder Shelby Smith (.286 AVG, 1 SB).
Marshfield’s returning juniors include third baseman/pitcher Kendyl Dolan (.393 AVG, 26 RBI, 14 SB), catcher Madelynn Beckner (.227 AVG, 12 SB), third baseman/DH Carlynn Mynatt (.222 AVG, 6 RBI, 11 SB), outfielder Sophie Hall (.344 AVG, 12 RBI, 29 SB), first baseman Bently Replogle (.400 AVG, 1 HR, 3 RBI) infielder Paris Peacock and infielder Makenna Cologna.
Sophomore first baseman Miley Austin (.370 AVG, 2 HR, 22 RBI, 2 SB) rounds out the Blue Jay returnees.
Varsity newcomers for the Blue Jays include junior Madelynn Burchfield, freshman Mallory Beckner and freshman Jaylin Vinyard.
“With everyone we have coming back, our goal is to compete for a state title,” McAnarney said. “We know that the road will be difficult, our conference will be tough as well as our district, but every game we play will help get us ready for the next one. Our strengths will be pitching and defense.”
In the circle, Marshfield will look to Dolan to anchor a relatively young and inexperienced staff with freshmen Beckner and Vinyard.
Dolan recorded an 11-4 record in 2024 with a 2.27 earned run average with 103 strikeouts in 83.1 innings.
“Kendyl will be our No. 1 starter,” McAnarney said. “Mallory and Jaylin both are pitching above their grade level and will see some time in the circle. Both pitched extremely well on an undefeated junior high season. They both should help the load of pitching.”
At the plate, McAnarney believes Marshfield could be poised for a postseason if its power numbers continue to develop.
“I am excited to see how we improve on a team that the team Avg. was .332 and averaged 8 runs a game. This year should be our deepest lineup that I have had.
“Communication is key for our success. We have a lot of experience coming back and learning to communicate with one another is big.”
Following an Aug. 26 jamboree at home, Marshfield opens its regular season at McDonald County on Aug. 30.
