By Tyler F. Thompson (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
After months and months of training and ironing out the fundamentals under a new coaching regime, the Monett Lady Cubs are itching to take the field against those in opposing jerseys.
This fall, the Cubs are under new tutelage as former Cub Kaesha George returns to the Ozarks as head coach.
“It is great,” George, a 2020 Monett graduate, said of being back. “I have loved it so far. It has been a pretty smooth transition. We have been putting in a lot of work this summer, just seeing how they work together. I have been challenging them a lot, putting them in different positions, getting them out of their comfort zones.”
The Cubs went 17-10 last year, falling to Bolivar 3-2 in the Class 4 District 6 tournament.
Monett lost three players to graduation — Abby Inman, Halle Schoen and Kaehler Swearingen.
But a strong, experienced core remains intact for the upcoming campaign.
Returning starters include Brilynn Doss (3B); Kilee Wilson (P); Emma Velten (C); Mikaela Guerra (RF); Lexy Sullivan (CF) and Kamilla Rodriguez (1B).
Wilson and Veltren were first-team all-district selections last season.
Returning seniors include Guerra, Taylor Bryan and Wilson.
“More might be coming out. I have had a couple coming to summer [workouts], but I don’t want to count them in right now, just because I think they may be on the fence right now,” said George.
Having balance on the roster is one asset in which George is relying upon this season.
Of course, having a stellar pitcher-catcher combo is nice, too.
The combo of Wilson and Velten will serve as extensions of the coaching staff, on and off the field.
Last year, the pitcher-catcher duo was named second-team all-conference, as was Doss.
Sullivan was named honorable mention.
Wilson and Velten were also named first-team all-region last fall, and Wilson notched her 500th career strikeout.
“They are just really strong. We played some games this summer. They have a good thing going on with each other,” George said of her 1-2 punch. “I just look for them to be really strong leaders for us, and I definitely think they both will play very well for us this year. They are two to keep an eye on.”
With the loss of a mere three players, this mission this year is to build off last season as the Cubs eye a deep postseason run.
The Cubs put up 6.7 runs per game last year while yielding 4.4.
This season, George is emphasizing the balanced roster approach, as freshmen through seniors will be called to action.
Added George: “We are going to be pretty young. We have some freshmen who are going to make a pretty good impact. I want to have a solid defense behind Kilee. I think she is a really strong pitcher, and I want to get our defense playing behind her. Offensively, I want to be really aggressive. When I played, my team was super aggressive on the base paths — just finding a way to get that extra base.”
Fans can expect the same this year, George said.
The preseason jamboree is scheduled for Aug. 22 at 3 p.m. at Seneca.
The Cubs open play at home against Marshfield on Sept. 2.
The home stand concludes on Sept. 4 as Logan-Rogersville visits.
