A lone senior will lead the Cassville softball team on the diamond this season, with the Lady Wildcats looking to utilize their speed and defensive prowess to have a shot at a district title in consecutive seasons.
Lori Videmschek, Cassville softball coach, said Cassville is returning six starters from the 16-12 squad that fell to Seneca in the Class 3, District 6 championship last season. Coming into this year, the Lady Wildcats are hungrier.
“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 makes routine plays.
“I tell the kids all the time to 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 with each pitch, and everything else will fall into play. Just keep it simple.”
The game is getting more simple by the year for the young team, which graduated four seniors last year and has only one on this year’s roster, pitcher Taylor Smith. She and junior
Cassville’s Elly Ramaeker contorts to make a catch and out at the plate against Bolivar in Jamboree action last week. Kyle Troutman/ktroutman@cassville-democrat.com shortstop Kyler Hayward are filling leadership roles in their coach’s eyes.
“Both these two girls have such a positive attitude and are always talking and keeping the girls ready to play,” Videmschek said. “They keep everyone focused and loose in the dugout. They both work extremely hard and lead by example.”
Sophomore Aubrey Stoufer will lead on the mound after a 6-6 season last year hitting .405. Smith and sister Tomi Blankenship, freshman, and Joei Blankenship, sophomore, will join in the rotation.
“Aubrey brings a lot of power to the mound,” Videmschek said. “I’m excited to see what she accomplishes this year. Taylor went down early in the season with an ankle injury. She has worked her way back healthy and is ready to compete on the mound. Tomi, a lefty, will also have a chance to pitch at the varsity level. She is another one that will bring a lot of power to the mound.
“Her sister, sophomore Joei Blankenship is another kid that can pitch with a lot of spin. How far we can compete in the Big 8 depends on our pitching staff. Locating each pitch and spinning the ball will be a big key for our success in the circle.”
A pair of juniors will split time at the dish, Kalee Lowe and Elly Ramaeker.
“Kalee did the biggest part of our catching last year, receives the ball well and has a tremendous arm and a great bat,” Videsmchek said. “When Kalee is not catching, she will see time at third base. Elly does a great job receiving the ball, but does an outstanding job blocking the ball. She will catch most of our junk ball pitchers. Elly also brings a great bat to the plate and also is my starting second baseman.”
Th infield and outfield feature a mixture of sophomores and juniors.
“Our infield should be solid,” Videmschek said. “Sophomore Tyra Sturgell and junior Aleigha Bryan will see time at third base. Hayward will be at SS and Rameaker will be at second base, with junior Lauren Sparkman as our first baseman.
“Junior Kyla Bowling will be at center field, Bryan and sophomore Trya Sturgell will be looking at right field, and sophomores Neveah Johnson and Kirsten Fare will be in left field.”
Videmschek said over the summer, the team was impressive in their willingness to work, which led to a boost in team chemistry. Defense and speed will be the Lady Wildcats’ strengths, and consistent pitching and batting will round out full-potential performances.
“We will have a lot of speed, but defense is one of our biggest strengths,” Videmschek said. “I was really impressed with our younger kids. They stepped up and competed really well. Our pitching and hitting has got to be consistent. I feel like our kids are ready to compete in the Big 8 and for a district championship.
“Last year, we got second in districts behind a very good Seneca team. They are hungry and ready to go. We had a very good summer, so I’m expecting them to step up and be ready to go.”
Despite the inevitable growing pains for a young team, Videmschek said work ethic can overcome any setback.
“I feel if we can compete in the circle and offensively 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 and becoming mentally tough in key situations will determine how good of a season we will have.”
Having nearly tasted district glory a year ago, the Lady Wildcats have been steadily improving in recent seasons.
“With our schedule this year, I feel we can build off what we did last year,” Videmschek 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.”
Cassville’s season began with a home jamboree last week. The Lady Wildcats played away at Carl Junction on Monday and Nevada on Tuesday, and they will stay on the road next Tuesday at Logan-Rogersville before the home opener on Sept. 7 against Marshfield.
