By Michael Cignoli (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Ava has played spring softball for just four seasons.
In that time, they’ve been to the Final Four twice.
What kind of work goes in behind the scenes to make that possible?
For head coach Rex Sawyer, the answer is simple.
“Girls that work hard and set their goals high,” Sawyer said.
And with six returning starters from the group that went 21-6 and placed fourth in the state last year, goals are as high as ever. The Bears intend to once again contend for conference and district titles – and be the first team in program history to win a Final Four game in the spring.
That’s nothing new for the Bears, who have gone 74-29 since beginning spring play in 2022.
“Our girls are expected to win every time they step on the field,” Sawyer said.
The senior class has been to the state’s biggest stage as freshmen and juniors, but they’re 0-4 in those previous Final Four visits. The big-game experience has fueled a group who has a legitimate chance to rewrite the ending this spring.
“They know what it takes to succeed,” Sawyer added.
Some of the most successful Bears are seniors Hunter Strunk and Missouri State-West Plains commit Makenna Coonts, who are coming off all-state seasons. Strunk, a pitcher/shortstop, and Coonts, a catcher, form the battery and will once again be a key driver of Ava’s performance.
The Bears held opponents to just 3.6 runs per game, and pitching could once again be a strength. Fellow thrower Mae Henry earned all-conference and all-district honors as a freshman.
Sawyer said Henry’s strengths are power and speed, while Strunk excels at spotting the ball and mixing pitches. And they have a solid defense behind them, with most of last year’s top contributors ready to take on bigger roles.
Juniors Autumn Cudworth, a speedy outfielder, and Samantha Thompson, a power-hitting first baseman, are coming off all-conference seasons, while Cudworth was also named to the all-district team.
Senior third baseman Myley Jones, junior outfielder Chylynn Johnson, sophomore second baseman Lexie Swearengin and sophomore outfielder Shaylee Wilkerson are also back.
With talent returning to nearly every position, Ava won’t catch anyone by surprise this spring. But the battle-tested Bears are ready for whatever their opponents may throw at them.
“They will have to play their best to beat us,” Sawyer said.
Following a March 13 jamboree at Forsyth, the Bears will open the regular season on March 20 at the Ava 2-for-1.
The Bears are also slated to compete in the South Central Association Tournament, Ash Grove Classic and Salem Softball Classic – all of which should help them gear up for another potential playoff run.
“No matter who we play, we will make it a game,” Sawyer said.
