By Chris Parker
Crane softball returns an experienced core from last season’s 10-win team.
“We return seven varsity starters from last season, giving us a strong core of experience and leadership heading into this year. That returning group provides stability and confidence in key positions across the field,” Crane head coach Mike Morelock said. “We’re also excited to welcome back Tailor Cleveland (senior), who missed last season due to injury. Tailor has worked hard to get back, and we expect her to make a significant impact for us this year. In addition, we’ve added Graclin Ramey (junior), a transfer from Kansas. Graclin brings new energy and competitiveness to our program, and we look forward to the contributions she will make this season.”
It will be a committee approach in the circle for Crane.
“We will rely on a four-pitcher rotation this season featuring Raegan Jackson (senior), Peyton Cutbirth (sophomore), Maddison Pippin (junior), and Destiny Kerr (sophomore). Each of them brings a different style and look to the circle, which gives us flexibility from game to game,” Morelock said. “Our expectation is simple — attack the strike zone, compete with confidence, and trust the defense behind them. With their combined experience and work ethic, we believe this group will give us a strong foundation every time we take the field.”
Cutbirth will also be the team’s primary catcher.
“She has invested a tremendous amount of time into her development, and her work ethic truly shows,” Morelock said. “As a freshman last year, Peyton did not play like a freshman at all. She stepped into both our lineup and behind the plate and performed with the poise and confidence of a veteran varsity player. She handles our pitching staff extremely well and has built strong trust with them. Defensively, she controlled the running game and prevented opponents from taking extra bases at will. We fully expect Peyton to continue elevating her game and take another big step forward this season.”
Jackson, Abrey Ellingsworth (senior) and Ella Rogers (junior) all return after playing in the infield last season.
Morelock on Jackson: “Raegan Jackson logged significant time at shortstop when she wasn’t in the circle and also saw action in the outfield. Her athleticism and experience will allow us to move pieces around depending on what best fits our lineup.”
Morelock on Ellingsworth: “Abrey Ellingsworth returns after starting at first base last season and will anchor that position again this year. Her experience and steady glove give us confidence on the corner.”
Morelock on Rogers: “Ella Rogers started at second base last season and is expected to begin there again. She brings versatility to the infield and is capable of sliding over to shortstop or third if needed, which gives us flexibility as we sort things out.”
The overall alignment of the infield will depend on many factors.
“Our infield will be a work in progress early, but that’s a good problem for us to have,” Morelock said. “We have multiple players who are capable of stepping in, and our job will be finding the best defensive combination to give us consistency behind our pitching staff.”
It will be the same story in the outfield.
Kerr, Pippin and Reece Custer (junior) will all see time in the outfield.
“Each brings something a little different to the table, and that versatility will allow us to mix and match based on matchups and pitching,” Morelock said.
Cleveland is also an option in the outfield or infield.
“She (Cleveland) was our starting center fielder before her injury, and getting her experience and leadership back out there is huge for us,” Morelock said. “However, Tailor is also a really good infielder so she will be really helpful when piecing this together. Tailor is the definition of a team-first player — she’s willing to do whatever is asked of her to help us be successful.”
Morelock expects Jackson, Ellingsworth and Cutbirth to assume leadership roles.
“Our leadership will start with a pair of seniors in Raegan Jackson and Abrey Ellingsworth. Both have been in our program since their freshman year and have earned the respect of their teammates through their work ethic, consistency, and commitment. They bring great energy every day, and their personalities are contagious. We’ll lean on them to keep our spirits high and steady us through the inevitable ups and downs that every season brings,” Morelock said. “We’re also excited about some emerging leaders stepping forward. Peyton Cutbirth is more than ready to embrace a larger leadership role. As she continues to pursue her goal of playing at the next level, it will be important for her to lead the right way — through preparation, competitiveness, and by setting the standard for those around her.”
Pitching should be a strength for the team.
“Like most coaches, pitching is always at the top of the list when it comes to areas we want to keep improving. We feel good about the group we have in place, and we believe we have the right girls to continue developing and getting better in the circle,” Morelock said. “A lot of that credit goes to my assistant coach, Bradley Maples, who has invested significant time into learning and growing as a pitching coach. He’s committed to helping our pitchers refine their mechanics, expand their pitch mix, and compete with confidence. His dedication has made a real impact on our staff, and we expect to see that continued growth translate onto the field this season.”
Crane opens the season on Mar. 19 at Hollister.
“I start every season with the same expectations. We have to get better each day, with the goal of playing our best softball at the end of the year. Our focus is on competing at the highest level possible and putting ourselves in position to make a run at a district title,” Morelock said. “We know that won’t be easy. We play a tough schedule, and there are a lot of quality teams in our area. But that challenge is exactly what prepares us for the postseason, and we’re excited to embrace it.”
