BY KEVIN FARR
For the Democrat
In spite of just a 33-27 overall record to finish the season, the Southeastern softball exemplified the regular coach speak of getting hot at the right time a year ago on the way to a Great American Conference title and trip to the NCAA Division II playoffs.
Head coach Mackenzie Sher hopes to duplicate that feat again in her second year at the Savage Storm softball helm with a solid blend of experience and talented newcomers for the season slate that opens Friday in Louisiana with the first of 20 consecutive road games.
“Last year we kept our foot on the gas trying to move forward and continue improving,” Sher commented. “It’s a new year but the same focus to control what you can and keep pushing forward. We are split pretty even with 13 returners and 12 newcomers, so it’s been nice to have their experience to fall back on. That group knows what to expect so that leadership has been great in paving the way for the younger ones.
“All those that return will be counted on and I expect most to be in the same roles and elevate their focus. We got to the national playoffs and ran out of gas a little last season. We started strong and then lost seven in a row against our non-conference schedule so we’re looking to try and avoid that this time. With the first 17 games and conference opener on the road, we’ll need to fight and get through that in good shape. If we can, it will help us for the fight down the road.”
That returning cast is highlighted by four All-Conference players, including pitchers Reese Taylor and Amberlyn Walsworth, catcher Sabetha Sands and designated player Iliana Olivares.
Sands led the squad with a .321 average offensively as well as a team-best 15 doubles along with one triple, one homer and 19 runs batted in. Olivares hit .294 while totaling eight doubles, and 22 batted in.
Other returning starters for the Savage Storm include veterans Kady Fryrear, Gracie Ore, Kamryn Rackley, Bailey Beard and Sammi Dutton. Fryrear is a multi-year starter coming off a .307 batting mark a year ago and is the team’s top returning RBI producer with 23. Ore added a .299 average, Rackley batted .289 while Beard chipped in a .258 batting mark as well a team-best 13 of 15 stolen bases. Dutton finished her first Southeastern campaign a year ago batting .197.
Taylor and Walsworth had similar numbers a season ago while leading the way with 157 and 155 innings respectively as each tallied at least 30 appearances. Taylor was 12-10 with a 3.43 earned run average in 157-plus innings, striking out 102 while yielding an opposing .244 average. Walsworth was 14-12 in 155 innings, posting a 4.00 ERA with a team-high 150 strikeouts and .267 opposing batting average.
“I think we can use speed when we need it and we have a few more bats this year that we were missing at times a year ago,” Sher said. “We added depth in different areas and want to keep opponents on their toes. Those returning pitchers are veterans and will be key to our success. Also have two freshmen that should be able to step in and help. You always want to talk about being a staff in pitching and not just rely on one pitcher.
“Honestly, I think all the newcomers will get some time and will have their moments. Just in the time they have been here since August, we have seen a lot of improvement and growth. The early tournaments are going to help us figure out some pieces. We have a pretty competitive roster right now that will help set the tone for what this program is going to be now and in the future.”
The Savage Storm first home game won’t come until March 1 against Southwestern.