By Chris Parker
Hartville softball is coming off a 12-12 season with a bigger roster set to provide depth.
“While our numbers are still down from a couple of years ago, they have improved from the previous season,” Hartville head coach Jeff Palmer said. “We had 10 girls participating in softball last year. We are up to 13 girls this fall.”
Hartville is also one a dwindling number of smaller schools who are still playing a fall schedule with many schools of a similar size choosing to switch to spring.
“Scheduling is a challenge from a travel standpoint,” Palmer said. “We will travel two-plus hours for some of our away games this year. It does take a toll on the girls missing so much classroom time for travel.”
The returning roster is familiar with the travel demands as eight starters return including five all-conference selections.
Sarah Palmer earned first-team all-conference honors as a junior.
“Sarah’s best asset on the field is her competitiveness,” Coach Palmer said. “She hates to lose and that competitive spirit is contagious. She is a four-year starter and will move from third base to catcher for us this fall while once again anchoring the middle of our lineup.”
Saige Petty, a pitcher, earned second-team all-conference honors.
“Saige commands the strike zone and pitches to our team’s strength, which is its defense,” Coach Palmer said. “She does a nice job of limiting walks.”
Sarah Palmer and sophomore Gensen Culver will also see time pitching.
Mckenzi Stigall, a first-team all-conference selection, will anchor the outfield.
“Mckenzi is our sparkplug,” Coach Palmer said. “McKenzi is a three-year starter and is an extremely talented softball player. She will anchor our outfield in centerfield as well as lead off for us again this season.”
Maddie Brown earned second-team all-conference honors for her work at shortstop.
“A three-year starter at shortstop, Maddie has always had an outstanding glove,” Coach Palmer said. “This year she will hit in the middle of our lineup as her offensive game has improved.”
Peyton Dudley rounds out the returning all-conference players earning an honorable mention all-conference nod last season.
“Peyton has continued to get better each season,” Coach Palmer said. “A three-year starter in right field, she will hit second in the lineup once again this year for the Lady Eagles.”
Senior Haddie Ward is also a defensive star at second base.
“She is a glove-first player who helps anchor our defense at second base,” Coach Palmer said. “When the game is on the line, we want a ground ball to Haddie.”
Sophomore Danica Flachsmann (first base) and freshman Lilly Barnes (third base) will also be on the infield. Culver and freshman Selena Kareus will be in left field.
Freshmen Addison Dudley, Taylor Jones and Sarah Whiten will also look to make a varsity impact.
“Our strength is our defense,” Coach Palmer said. “We limit walks and errors and usually do not beat ourselves. If our offense catches up with our defense, we will be a tough out by the end of the season.”
Hartville opens the season Aug. 28-29 at the Republic Lead-Off Classic.
“We start the season in the very competitive Republic Lead-Off Classic. I feel that the strength of our schedule will have us battle tested and ready for the postseason,” Coach Palmer said. “I expect us to once again compete for a district title and to hopefully make another postseason run.”
