El Dorado to host Crossett in season opener
It's been, basically, two years since El Dorado fielded a varsity softball team. Thanks to COVID-19, last year's talented group of freshmen missed out on an important season of growth and experience.
Coach Chris Ezell tried to make up for the lost year with a spirited off-season program.
The Lady Wildcats enter this season under a crash course of skill development at multiple positions.
“We have moved several players around the field at practices in order to prepare for any possible adjustments needed due to quarantines or injuries,” he said. “I have stressed the fact that players need to be prepared to play multiple positions.”
The Lady Wildcats opened the season Thursday with a benefit game at Magnolia. They will host Crossett Tuesday at 5 p.m. in the regular-season opener.
The team will be young in spots but boasts experience in the circle with senior Jillian Tissue.
“Our big concern is the depth of players with experience, and the biggest answer for that is just going out and competing,” said Ezell. “Senior Jillian Tissue will take on the pitching duties this season. She has really pushed herself to be the workhorse for us in the circle and has added a third pitch this year.”
Makaylen Swint returns behind the plate to complete the battery.
“We have some familiar faces in the infield with sophomores Raielynn Fudge, Cammie Gadberry and junior Laney Langston,” Ezell said. “Senior Haley Spencer will continue to fill a utility player role for us this year and will see time at second base and in the outfield.”
El Dorado will look to seniors Abigail Thompson (OF), Lexi Bronson (IF, C) and Samantha Hargett (utility) to return and contribute. Ezell said junior Macy Eads has shown improvement and can play multiple positions.
Sisters Karlee and Kaycee Otwell will both see time in the infield this year and will have opportunities to solidify their roles moving into the season. Freshman Delaney Loyd looks to provide a solid bat in the line-up and will play centerfield.
“The basketball season getting bumped back will delay (sophomore) Mallory Whitten getting out to softball so we will have to wait and see what kind of role she can have on this year's team,” said Ezell.
The last El Dorado team to compete into the softball season was, basically, a completely different group. With a new team and a new season, the Lady Wildcats enter the year with cautious optimism.
“Our goal for the year is to get better each week and grow as a team,” said Ezell. “We need to get our position battles settled early in the season and gain some continuity by the time our conference slate begins. We plan to move people around and give some opportunities to earn playing time. Some of the position battles will come down to hitting.”