By Chris Parker
Mansfield softball has a new head coach in Lora Coble this season.
“Our expectations this season are to improve from last year and be more competitive,” Coble said. “We finished 9–16, and even though we lost two seniors, we have seven starters returning who have a lot of experience. We are also adding two freshmen who we are excited about. We are hoping to grow as a team, win more games, and compete in districts.”
Four seniors in Addison Jones (pitcher), Madisyn Bennett, Emma Matney and Caylee Young return. Jones is a four-year starter in the circle and earned first-team all-state honors as a utility player last season. Young earned second-team all-conference honors.
Junior Mylee Sullivan along with sophomores Kayley Kingery and Rylee Dixon also return. Kingery was named second-team all-district as a sophomore.
“Our strength will be our experience and teamwork,” Coble said. “We have seven starters coming back, and we know how to play together. This will help us stay confident and compete this season.”
Jadalyn Coble is a freshman who will make an immediate impact at catcher. Patience Parsons is another freshman who will have an immediate impact.
“We are excited to add two ninth graders, Jadalyn Coble and Patience Parsons, to our team this season,” Coach Coble said. “They will add strength to both our defense and hitting, and we believe they will be valuable players. Along with our seven returning starters, they will help make us more competitive and continue to build our program.”
Coach Coble is looking for more consistency out of her team this season.
“We need to improve our consistency, especially with hitting and defense,” Coach Coble said. “Making fewer errors and getting more hits will help us win more games. If we stay focused and play together, it will help us be more successful.”
Mansfield opens the season on Mar. 19 at home against Galena.
