By Chris Parker
Marion C. Early softball is coming off a 14-17 season, which snapped a streak of six straight winning seasons and two straight final four appearances.
Six starters return, and things start with the pitching staff with senior Haley Madewell and freshman Anna Byrne.
“We will have two key pitchers this year,” MCE head coach Heather Bess said. “Haley Madewell is a senior with lots of experience on the mound. She understands the game very well and is one of our leaders on the field. We also have freshman, Anna Byrne coming up. She is going to be a solid addition to our team, and we are looking forward to seeing her in action on the mound at the varsity level.”
This pitching duo will be key to Marion C. Early’s success.
“We are going to be solid on the mound this year,” Bess said. “We have Haley as a senior who pitches well and brings lots of experience. We also have Anna Byrne who is a freshman but throws well and stays poised on the mound. We are going to play solid defense. We lost a great group of seniors, but we have new people stepping up and filling spots that is going to help us be successful as a team.”
Freshman Maylie Letterman will be behind the plate catching.
The infield lineup will feature Lyla Vaughn (junior first base), Raycie Maggard (senior second base) and Kinley Reed (sophomore shortstop). Third base could feature Byrne, Charlotte Hicks or Madewell.
Look for Ireland Foster (junior center field), Natalie Cutler (freshman corner outfield) and Keyra Sims (junior corner outfield) in the outfield.
Both Hicks and Sims have shown improvement in the off-season.
“One of most improved players is Keyra Sims. She has made great strides in the outfield and is stepping up out there,” Bess said. “Another player that has greatly improved is Charlotte Hicks. She is working hard and improving her game at multiple positions.”
Madewell and Maggard will be team leaders.
“Two of our team leaders this year will be Haley Madewell and Raycie Maggard,” Bess said. “They are our seniors and have been with the program all four years. Haley knows the game well and can play multiple positions. Raycie is a great encourager and picks the team up when needed.”
Bess is looking for the lineup to produce top to bottom.
“We need our whole line up ready to put the ball in play,” Bess said. “We have some great hitters, but we need all nine players putting the ball in play and making things happen.”
Marion C. Early opens the season at its home tournament Aug. 29-30.
“I expect good things from this team,” Bess said. “We have a great mix of talent, experience, and work ethic. I expect us to win, play hard, represent our school well, and have fun.”
