By Chris Parker
Halfway softball returns seven starters from last season’s 23-8 team that went in as a No. 1 seed to the district tournament but got upset in the semifinal round by No. 4 Stoutland.
That early exit has provided extra motivation for the Lady Cardinals.
“Overall, our team IQ has leaped forward from last years’ experience,” Halfway head coach Jody Sharp said. “Losing (early) in districts last year will be a driving force for this team.”
Madi Doke returns as the main pitcher in the circle coming off a sophomore season where she went 15-7 with a 2.47 ERA and 166 strikeouts. She also hit .447 with a 1.036 OPS, 26 RBI and 30 runs scored. She was named first-team all-region and conference last season.
Raeghan Timmerman (junior), Ashlyn McCarthy (junior) and Gracie Redd (freshman) could all also spend time pitching.
Second-team all-state catcher Josie Choate (junior) returns behind the plate. She had a .490 batting average with a 1.275 OPS including 38 RBI and 41 runs scored. Ashlyn Spear (sophomore) could also find innings at catcher.
The infield returns a lot of experience with Mckenzie Grindstaff (senior) at first, McCarthy at second and Timmerman at shortstop. Grindstaff had 28 runs scored and 35 RBI with a 1.281 OPS on her way to first-team all-region and conference honors. McCarthy posted a .318 batting average with 30 runs scored and 13 RBI. She was named second-team all-conference. Timmerman had a 1.108 OPS with 40 runs and 22 RBI earning second-team all-conference and all-region honors.
Kinley Redd (freshman) is a candidate for third base.
Two varsity outfielders in Ashley Johnson (junior) and Spear return. Johnson, who will slide from left field to center this season, drove in 19 runs and scored another 18 last season. Spear was third on the team with 27 RBI and scored 24 runs earning second-team all-conference and all-region honors.
“Our biggest strength will be our experience,” Sharp said. “We relied heavily on offense last season. This season the experience this team gained on the defensive side last year will pay off.”
Alyssa Spear (senior) and Justina Hartley (sophomore) will be looking for playing time. The incoming freshman class is large with Kinley Redd, Gracie Redd, Kaydynce Evans, Autumn Proctor, Madi Robertson, and Vanessa Hartley.
Halfway opens the regular season on Aug. 28 at Marshfield.
