By Michael Cignoli (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
For many programs, a new coach often means a season of trial and error.
For Lamar softball, it meant clarity and results.
After suffering through three straight losing seasons, the Tigers turned to Brandon Castle to right the ship. He led the Tigers to a 16-9 finish, which was the school’s best record since they began playing spring softball in 2021.
“Going into the season we had a clear expectation and understanding of what we all wanted to accomplish to get the program back on track and how we need to work to achieve our goals,” Castle said.
With seven returning starters, the Tigers are eager to build on that foundation in Year Two.
“They know our expectations going into the year,” Castle said. “They are also familiar with our drills and do not have to be taught each drill. We can roll right into what we are wanting to do.”
Fans will be familiar with Lamar standouts Lexy Stephen and Peyton Eddie, who return after earning all-district and all-region honors last year. The juniors will be a key driver of the team’s success.
Stephen handled the bulk of Lamar’s pitching duties last season. She went 15-6 and posted a 3.88 earned-run average while striking out 132 batters.
She also hit .455, scored 30 runs and drove in 22 more.
“Hard thrower with great movement,” Castle said.
Eddie, a centerfielder, is the team’s top returning hitter. She batted .500, scored a team-best 40 runs and stole 23 bases.
“Very fast,” Castle said, matter-of-factly. “Great baserunner.”
Senior Tara Hagins and junior Ashlyn Hayworth will help Stephen in the circle and play the corner outfield spots when they’re not pitching.
Seniors Maylee Rawlings, an all-district third baseman, and Emma Potter, an infielder/outfielder, will help set the tone for a team that will need to replace two graduates.
“Last year’s seniors just wanted to play and have a competitive team,” Castle said. “We lost our shortstop and a role player. Losing them opens holes in the middle infield that I am excited to see who steps up and wants to work to take those spots.”
With only 11 to 13 players expected on the roster, freshmen could have a chance to make an immediate impact. Castle said as many as three of them could slot into the varsity lineup.
“How hard they work and what they can do to help the team get better will determine how much they see the field,” Castle said.
Junior catcher Bryli Duncan, junior infielder Jaxsyn Lovan and all-district sophomore first baseman Kelby Wolf all return after helping Lamar to its historic season. The mix of returning talent and fresh faces have the Tigers thinking this season could bring even more accolades.
“Everyone has bought in and knows that we can be a solid team that competes in every game,” Castle said.
The Tigers will forgo a jamboree and open the season at the Purdy Tournament, which begins March 20 in Joplin.
“I want the team to be mentally tough and play solid defense,” Castle said. “I want them to take away hits and make routine plays – not give up easy outs or give away runs.”
