By Pat Dailey (For OzarkSportsZone.com)
One area Hillcrest coach Mike Runnels would like to see carry over from last season to this year is the composure the Lady Hornets showed defensively.
Hillcrest was 9-17 a year ago. It marked the highest win total for the Lady Hornets since 2019, when they also were 9-17.
Hillcrest gave up an average of 8.4 runs a game in 2024, down from a norm of 10.3 in 2023.
“I felt like we did a good job of staying composed when things didn’t go our way, and it showed,” Runnels said. “Our fielding percentage was up from previous years, and our record showed because of that. I would like us to continue to improve on limiting the big inning, but overall I was pleased with how we responded when we made a mistake and did not turn that one mistake into multiple, leading to that big inning.”
The Lady Hornets welcome back pitchers Camryn Summers, Hydee Pyle and Caitlin Summers. When not pitching, they’ll rotate at shortstop and catcher.
Rounding out the infield are Tati Martinez, Rosely Figueroa, and Ella Safley.
“All can play multiple positions within the infield,” Runnels said.
The outfield includes Lexi Stogsdill, Lydia Smith, Mylie Bright and Ryen Fellows.
Runnels anticipates many of his players showing versatility in the field.
“I think we will be a team of many utility players,” he said. “I can see multiple positions being played by multiple players throughout the year. Several different scenarios would play out over the year. Honestly, I can see a situation where not one player will play the same position all year long. There are going to be some kids who play up to 4-5 different spots until we find a defensive lineup that works.”
Offensively, Runnels figures Hillcrest will have to put singles, steals and sacrifices together to score.
“We are going to have to play small ball,” he said. “We are going to have to bunt and put pressure on defenses. We have some team speed that I would like to see be utilized on the bases as well.
“Camryn Summers, Caitlin Summers, Tati, Mylie, and Hydee all have the potential to make that jump offensively that we need to succeed,” he added. “Lydia, Rosely, Ella and Lexi are others to watch out for. You might not see that power numbers out of them, but they possess some things that, as a coach, you cannot teach that I think can help us out, and that is their speed and athleticism.”
Runnels would love to see his players establish themselves as exceptionally hard workers.
“My overall expectations are for my kids to go out and compete every day, this includes practice as well as games,” he said. “I expect my players to want to outwork anyone they take the field with, and whatever happens, happens. When you want something, you must go beat the next person out for that. Things are not given to you in life, and I want my kids to know that. If you want something, you have got to go out there and earn it.”
Hillcrest will host a jamboree Aug. 23, before taking part in the Aurora Kickoff Classic Aug. 29-30.
