By Pat Dailey (For OzarkSportsZone.com)
Carl Junction has a tidal wave of momentum on its side. The Lady Bulldogs reached the .500 mark last season for the first time since 2015 and are debuting their new synthetic turf home field this season.
“The excitement with the new field is at an all-time high,” coach Mandy Bauer said. “The girls can’t wait to get started and be on the field. It’s an amazing feeling. But at the same time you feel a little bit of pressure that we better get some wins. I feel like CJ softball is taking a turn for the better and there will be good things to come.”
Bauer is officially Carl Junction’s head coach, after serving as an interim coach a year ago. Bauer and her assistants, Maddie Welch and Shelbie Everitt, are all Carl Junction grads.
“As far as me taking over the softball program, it’s a dream that I have been chasing and it finally came true,” she said. “I’m excited to bring some new and exciting things to the program, and I am bringing on an amazing staff to help.”
Carl Junction features three leaders from last season’s 13-13 team in pitcher Kiley Spencer, shortstop Kady Hunt and outfielder Ryleigh Palmer. Spencer and Palmer were both All-Ozark Mountain Conference First-Team selections a year ago.
“(They) will play a big part in our success,” Bauer said. “Kiley will pitch for us, but hopefully with some younger girls coming into the program, we will be able to work her in some other places as well. Kiley brings a lot to our program, and I can’t wait to see what she does for us this year. Ryleigh will be our leader in the outfield and watching her grow over the last four years, she is our go-to person in the outfield and on offense. She is probably one of the most consistent kids I’ve seen go through our program at the plate. Kady will be coming in as shortstop and will be one of our main threats at the plate.”
Kenleigh Palmer will share time with Spencer in the center circle and also play outfield.
“Kenleigh will more than likely be leading off for us at the plate,” Bauer said. “She brings a very competitive short game and speed”
Kinley Spindler will be another big factor in what could be a potent outfield.
“She is the type of kid that we can put her where we need her in the outfield and she will come up with big plays,” Bauer said. “Kinley struggled a bit at the plate mid-season last year, but after working this summer she is more confident and handling the bat much better.”
The rest of the infield includes Georgia Arnold at third base, Jazmyne Blayne at catcher and Addi Purvis at first base and Gracie Arnold as a middle infielder.
Jillian Shrum and Kaylee Crow will also vie for playing time, as well as a group of freshmen.
“We also have a good group of freshmen,” Bauer said. “It will be a fun group to mix in and develop.”
Bauer liked how Carl Junction fit in during the Ozark Mountain Conference’s inaugural season a year ago.
“I feel we made the right move to move to the new conference,” she said. “We competed well last year, and we look to compete just as well, if not better this year.”
Bauer feels the Lady Bulldogs are ready to put together a winning season.
“As a coaching staff we have high expectations with this group,” she said. “This will be a group that can get the job done. They are eager to learn and willing to put the work in. We threw several new ideas and things at them this summer and they adapted well. Our motto this year will be, ‘Accountability over Everything and To Get Out of Our Own Way.’”
Carl Junction will jamboree at Carthage on Aug. 26.
