SMOKY VALLEY WILL LEAN ON YOUTH

By William

LINDSBORG – The Smoky Valley softball team feels as if they are starting new with the loss of the 2020 season due to the pandemic.

Led by Coach Chris McClure, the Lady Vikings were 9-10 in 2019.

McClure will be in the dugout for the 22nd season as the leader of the Smoky Valley softball program and brings a career mark of 215-204 with her.

Here are Coach McClure’s reflections on the upcoming 2021 season:

KEY LADY VIKINGS LOST TO GRADUATION:

  • Lauren Barnes = pitcher
  • Addison Fishback = outfielder
  • McKenzie Burks = outfielder

KEY RETURNING LADY VIKING PLAYERS:

Coach McClure is looking at the following returning players to lead the Lady Vikings in 2021:

  • Claire Broxterman = a senior catcher who earned honorable mention All-CKL in 2019 as a sophomore.
  • Madi Tolle = a junior infielder/pitcher who earned 1st team All-CKL in 2019 as a freshman designated player.
  • Abby Hipp = a senior pitcher/infielder
  • Olivia Morgan = a senior outfielder
  • Catherine Odell = a junior shortstop

LADY VIKING NEWCOMERS WORTH WATCHING:

  • Karee Adam = a sophomore pitcher/infielder
  • Maggie Ryals = a sophomore pitcher/infielder

THE LADY VIKING SEASON OUTLOOK:

Coach McClure notes that, “Our strengths should be hitting and defense. The team will have good speed, but our pitching will have to develop as it is untested in varsity action. The Central Kansas League is always tough with teams like Haven, Pratt and Hoisington at the top.”

Concluding the preseason reflections, McClure added, “Without a season last spring, it feels like we are almost starting from scratch. We also have a large group of talented freshman who will have an opportunity to make an impact.”

First 5 Scheduled Games:

Thursday, March 25 = Host Southeast of Saline

Tuesday, March 30 = Host Nickerson

Thursday, April 1 = At Pratt

Tuesday, April 6 = At Hillsboro

Friday, April 9 = Host Lyons

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