By Michael Cignoli (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
For the Stockton softball team, 2025 was as much about learning as it was results.
The Tigers finished 13-9 in their first season under new head coach Ashton Roberts, who was promoted to the top job in her seventh season with the program.
That laid the foundation for the year ahead.
“I am much more confident and comfortable in my role this year, having learned alongside my players during my first season,” Roberts said. “I now have a clearer understanding of which processes are effective, which approaches did not fit that particular group and how to intentionally prepare for what we need to be successful. Because this team knows what to expect from me, we are able to stay focused on what truly matters most — development, consistency and competing at a high level.”
The Tigers opened the Roberts era 11-3 before dropping six of their final eight games, including a season-ending loss to Fair Grove in the opening round of the district tournament.
That experience, coupled with playing eight one-run games, helped the Tigers identify what needs to change moving forward.
“We experienced significant growth in areas that were not always reflected in our win/loss record,” Roberts said. “Facing adversity and competing in close games highlighted areas where we still needed to improve — and those experiences became valuable learning opportunities. Our returning players have carried those lessons into their preparation for the upcoming season, using them as motivation to continue developing and elevating the program.”
The Tigers have already faced one of the most challenging scenarios they’ll encounter this season, learning that Evangel commit Raelyn Henderson is expected to miss the entire season with a torn ACL. The all-state outfielder was poised to be the team’s top returning hitter.
“Her absence creates some uncertainty in our lineup and defensive alignment, but I am confident our players will rise to the occasion,” Roberts said. “We have a strong mix of experience on this roster, and we plan to leverage that balance as we continue to move forward and put our team in the best position to succeed.”
Fortunately, fellow all-state selection Gracie Abercrombie returns after hitting .514 and driving in 42 runs. The infielder, a Benedictine signee, also crushed 10 home runs during her record-breaking junior year.
Seniors Sophia Yokely, Morgan Nikodim and junior Jozie Warner also return to the starting lineup. All three can play in the infield and the outfield, with Yokely expected to lead the outfield in Henderson’s sted.
“I expect to see this group step up to leadership roles this year — especially those returning seniors,” Roberts said. “I also hope to see them enjoy their leadership roles. I want to see them thrive under the pressures of the game and leadership roles.”
Another player poised for increased responsibilities is sophomore catcher Zoe Rains, who earned all-conference honors after batting .351 with 22 RBI.
“We expect her to fill the consistency and speed void we’ll have with Raelyn being out,” Roberts said. “I’m looking forward to seeing multiple returners find their roles on this team.”
Roberts is also excited about a couple of big changes to the program.
For one, the Tigers are joining forces with Fair Play to field a single team. The partnership brings multiple new faces to the Stockton roster, notably standout pitcher Mekenzie Evans.
Evans, along with freshmen Kynlee Roy and Libbey Colvin, give the Tigers three talented options in the circle — and the batting order.
“As newcomers, we are focused on continuing to develop them and determining the most effective ways to utilize their strengths,” Roberts said. “Fortunately, all three are versatile athletes who can also contribute defensively in the field when they are not pitching.”
Secondly, the Tigers will spend the season on their new turf field.
“It is bittersweet to leave the old field — the field I played on — but we are all excited to have a beautiful turf field and a new facility,” Roberts said. “We will be doing a lot of neat things with this new field and our school and community will benefit greatly from it. It definitely fits with our team mindset this year of fresh new starts and tradition building.”
Stockton will host Ash Grove and Fair Grove for a March 17 jamboree, then open the regular season two days later at Mount Vernon. Their home opener is scheduled for March 24 against Liberal.
“We want to be known as a group that consistently outworks opponents from start to finish, competes mentally as well as physically and preserves the joy of the game,” Roberts said. “Our goal is for people to recognize that we give maximum effort throughout every contest, remain mentally tough when pressure is on and allow our passion for the game to be evident to anyone watching.”
