By Michael Cignoli (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Two years ago, the Ash Grove softball team was playing for a state championship.
Last year, it was laying the groundwork for another potential playoff run.
Needing to replace seven of nine bats from the historic 2024 team, the Pirates entered the season with a roster dominated by freshmen — talented, but untested at the varsity level.
Injuries only complicated matters, forcing players into unfamiliar roles and accelerating their development in real time. Still, the young Pirates battled their way to an 11-14 finish — a record head coach Austin Tipton believes may reveal more about their future than their past.
“Last year’s experience will be huge for this year’s team,” Tipton said. “A lot of the girls were thrown right into the fire as freshmen. They had to adjust to the new game speed on the fly. This year, we won’t have as much of an adjustment period and should be up to speed from the get-go.”
The Pirates return seven players who started at various points last season. While the names on Tipton’s lineup card have not changed, they’re hardly the same players.
“They have become physically stronger and more mentally tough,” Tipton said. “They have been in the weight room constantly since last season and it has shown. They have grown mentally tougher as well, which I believe will benefit us a lot as well.”
The Pirates now get to build on that growth all season long — and set the stage for what’s next.
“We have no seniors, so this group gets the opportunity to continue playing together for a while,” Tipton said. “We want to keep building upon the foundation set from last year.”
A big part of Ash Grove’s blueprint is the 11-player sophomore class, headlined by the duo of Lacey McCullough (.375, 21 RBI) and Brooke Nicholson (.356, 20 RBI). Both were all-conference and all-district honorees as freshmen — and they’re only getting started.
Tipton on McCullough, a pitcher/outfielder: “Lacey plays a great outfield and does a solid job in the circle as well. I expect her to have a better season in the circle with the year of experience under her belt and even better numbers at the plate. She is a tough out.”
Tipton on Nicholson, an infielder/catcher: “Brooke played almost exclusively at catcher last year. She did a great job behind the dish even with it not being her primary position. She will be in the infield this year, which should help solidify our defense. I believe all the work she puts in will help lead to a big year at the plate as well.”
With all-conference second baseman Kristen Hawkins out for the year due to injury, the Pirates turn to returning sophomores Oakley Dowling, Brylee Bartlett, Brooklyn Rowden, Lillie Carter and Jaelynn Daniel to rise up and play bigger roles in the lineup.
Dowling hit .315 and drove in 26 runs while playing wherever the Pirates needed her.
“Oakley split time between third, short and catcher last year,” Tipton said. “This year we are hoping to keep her on the left side of the infield. She has pop and has done well in clutch situations for us.”
Bartlett is another versatile defender who excelled at the plate, batting .378 with 10 RBI.
“Solid overall player with good positional flexibility,” Tipton said. “Saw time at multiple spots in the field last year and became a big contributor to the lineup.”
Rowden, Carter and Daniel each bring a mix of experience, range and potential to the lineup.
Tipton on Rowden, a first baseman/outfielder: “Her ability at the plate has improved throughout the offseason and we are looking forward to seeing what she can bring to the lineup this year.”
Tipton on Carter, an infielder: “Lillie will be battling for a spot in the lineup. She worked hard last season and improved throughout the season at the plate and in the field.”
Tipton on Daniel, a utility player: “Jaelynn has a lot of pop in her bat. We are hoping to see the experience she gained last season translate into more consistency for her at the plate this season.”
Ash Grove’s sophomore class got even deeper when catcher/utility player Addy Murray transferred into the district.
“She has a good IQ of the game and is a solid player,” Tipton said. “We hope to see her become a leader on the field and a key contributor in the lineup.”
Fellow sophomores Natalie Jolivette and Jenna Mullins will be battling for time in the outfield.
“They worked hard to improve each day last season, and I hope to see that continue this year so that they’re ready for when their number is called,” Tipton said.
With so many young players in the mix, junior outfielder Abby Stevens finds herself in a leadership role after hitting .309 and driving in 15 runs last spring.
“Abby is a great centerfielder with good range and a good glove,” Tipton said. “She took a big step at the plate last season and has been putting in a lot of work to keep improving her all-around game. I’m hoping to see continued growth as a player and leader from her.”
The Pirates will travel to Fair Grove for a March 17 jamboree with the Eagles and Stockton. They will open the regular season two days later at East Newton.
“After 2024, the girls are hungry for another district title,” Tipton said. “That’s the goal. Win-wise, the goal is to be above .500. Continuous improvement in all aspects.”
