By Dana Harding (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
2024 proved to be another successful campaign for Republic softball and longtime head coach Lee Dishman.
The Tigers posted a 23-10 record, falling to Kickapoo in the Class 5 District 6 championship.
“Overall we had a very successful season and showed growth from start to finish,” Dishman said. “I think it really showed by us run-ruling Ozark in the district semifinal who had earlier in the year run-ruled us.”
A quartet of seniors return to lead the Tigers this season in Piper Dishman, Addie Brown, Paige Elsenraat and Kara Goeke.
Piper Dishman, an all-region, all-conference and all-district pitcher, posted a record of 13-4 last season with a 2.11 earned run average and 103 strikeouts.
“Piper has started the majority of the games in the circle since her freshman year,” Coach Dishman said. “She will be a vocal leader for this team. Not only does she contribute in the circle but she has anchored the middle of the line up since her freshman year.”
Brown, an all-region, all-conference and all-district outfielder, hit .468 as a junior with 5 home runs and 30 runs batted in.
“Addie has started in the outfield since her freshman year,” Coach Dishman said. “She had a breakout season last year at the plate showing some major power.”
Elsenraat, an all-region, all-conference and all-district outfielder, hit .375 last season with 36 hits and 29 runs scored.
“Paige is another player that has started since her freshman year,” Coach Dishman said. “She really came into her own offensively last year. She is also a solid outfielder.”
Goeke, an all-district pitcher, finished her junior season with a 10-5 record, 4 saves and a 3.11 earned run average.
“Kara showed how good she could be in the circle last year,” Coach Dishman said. “She pitched really well down the stretch and matured in the circle.”
Republic also expects a host of varsity newcomers to compete for playing time this season, including Maddie Taylor (1st/3rd/Junior), Allison Burford (C/Senior), Grace Worthy (1st/Senior), Mia Carnes (2nd/Junior), Emma Ellison (SS/Freshman), Katie Stewart (OF/Senior), Emma Hoodenpyle (3rd/Senior), Myleigh Mooneyham (OF/Sophomore) and Jayma Pitchford (P/Junior).
“We are having to replace some key positions this fall, and these girls are prepared to fill those voids,” Coach Dishman said. “I believe these girls would have played a lot of varsity innings for some other teams, but they were behind a senior class that we had last year that was very successful. Yes we are replacing five to six starters from last year, but these girls are very talented and hungry.”
In the circle, Republic will once again look to Piper Dishman and Kara Goeke to anchor the staff and keep opposing hitters off balance.
“Last year Piper Dishman got a stress fracture in her lower leg about a quarter way into the season so we had to really limit her innings,” Coach Dishman said. “Fortunately, Kara Goeke was able to step right in and fill those innings while being very successful. Another benefit is one is left-handed (Piper) and the other is right-handed (Kara). This gives hitters different looks because their ball moves in totally different directions.”
At the plate, the Tigers will lean on a trio of all-region honorees in Piper Dishman, Brown and Elsenraat to get on base and drive in runs.
“Bringing back three all-region hitters is a plus for our lineup,” Coach Dishman said. “They will lead the offense and all three bring different elements to the lineup. We will have to be able to manufacture runs this season. I believe we have a good mix in our lineup of girls that can get on base along with some girls that should hit with power. As always we will be aggressive on the bases and try to put pressure on teams.”
Republic will also be blessed with a considerable amount of depth at multiple positions this season, allowing for versatility and flexibility.
“If we have a girl that might be struggling we are going to be able to have another girl ready to go in and compete,” Coach Dishman said. “Competition for positions is healthy, and I believe we will have plenty of competition at positions this year.”
Following an Aug. 23 jamboree at Nixa, Republic opens its regular season Aug. 29 in the Morrisville Tournament.
