BY KYLE TROUTMAN
A second-place finish in the district last season was just a whetting of the whistle for the Cassville softball team.
Lori Videmschek, Cassville softball coach, said with six returners and four seniors, this year’s Lady Wildcats are ready to compete.
“My overall expectation is set high,” Videmschek said. “I expect us to come out and compete every day and every pitch. I feel our pitchers will need to throw with a purpose and our defense make the routine plays. I tell the kids all the time, keep it simple.
“When we over think too much, we second-guess what we are doing offensively and defensively. Just play the game and compete each pitch, and everything else will fall into play. Just keep it simple.”
Videmschek said she knows her expectations are achievable, especially with the 2022 slate of opponents.
“With our schedule this year, I feel we can build off what we did last year,” she said. “Softball at Cassville is getting better, and the kids have bought into what our coaching staff is wanting. We have a chance — when you believe and when you believe in each other.”
Leading the Lady Wildcats will be a group of four seniors, Alyssa Whisenhunt, Macie Walker, Ashlynn Bryan and Kailey Artherton.
“Alyssa is our pitcher who will lead by example,” Videmschek said. “She is present on the mound, and we will feed off of her. Macie is our left fielder or right fielder and has such a positive attitude. She is so good with our younger athletes.
“Kailey is our center fielder and Ashlynn is our shortstop and third baseman bring working hard every pitch and working hard everyday. These four seniors will set the tone for everyone else, working hard, grinding out hits, keeping a positive attitude and controlling what they do on the field.”
Videmschek said beyond the seniors, there is plenty of competition for spots on the field. Pitchers will be Alyssa, freshman Aubrey Stoufer and junior Taylor Smith, and catchers are sophomores Elly Ranmaker and Kalee Lowe.
“The lineup for the infield is really competitive, and I have so many girls that are fighting to earn their spot,” Videmschek said. “Senior Ashlynn Bryan could be shortstop or third base, and Kalee could play third when not catching. Kyler Hayward can be shortstop, third or second baseman, and Lauren Sparkman could be at second or outfield. We have such a variety that can play anywhere it just depends on who my pitcher is.”
In the outfield, Cassville has four or five competing for positions.
“Macie could be left fielder or right fielder, Kailey will be center fielder, sophomore Kyla Bowling could be our left fielder or right fielder and sophomore Aleigha Bryan will also be looking to play left fielder, right fielder or designated player,” Videmschek said.
With the skillset the Lady Wildcats possess, Videmschek said she hopes to compete for some hardware this season.
“I feel like our kids are ready to compete in the Big 8 and for a District championship,” she said.
“Last year, we got second in districts behind a very good Logan-Rogersville team. They are hungry and ready to go. We had a very good summer so I’m expecting then to step up and be ready to go.”
To step up, Videmschek said the pitching and defense will have to be focuses.
“I feel if we can compete in the circle and defensively step up, we will do well this season,” she said. “I know we are fairly young, and we might have a few growing pains early on, but I expect us to be ready at districts. “Work ethic every day will be important, and how we handle ourselves in adversity. Becoming mentally tough in key situations will determine how good of a season we have.”
Cassville’s season began last week at the Morrisville Tournament, and the Lady Wildcats hosted Carl Junction Monday and Nevada Tuesday. On Thursday, Cassville hosts Logan-Rogersville.
