SSHS softball preview
The Siloam Springs softball team will have a new look in 2018, and it won’t necessarily be the new uniforms the Lady Panthers will be wearing.
The Lady Panthers have a few returning veterans from past seasons, but also a large number of new players that will contribute to the team.
“We do have some kids coming back,” said head coach Scott Wright, “but we’re going to see a lot of new faces on our team this year. I will say obviously in the circle and behind the plate it’s going to look completely different, but this group of girls has worked really hard. We’re a young team and we’ll see how that plays on the field.”
The Lady Panthers were scheduled to play a benefit game at Fort Smith Southside Tuesday, but it was postponed to Thursday.
Siloam Springs is scheduled to open its season Monday at Springdale Har-Ber. Siloam Springs is coming off a 3-19 season in 2017, where it lost its last 12 games.
The Lady Panthers will feature a whole new pitcher-catcher battery in 2018.
In the pitching circle, sophomore Jessie Robinson is likely to be the Lady Panthers’ top pitcher, Wright said. Seniors Allie Bowman and Tyler King and sophomores Aliyah Hilbish and Mary Grace Green also could see time in the circle.
“Jessie really put in a lot of time,” Wright said. “Of all our pitchers, she’s thrown the most, four to five days a week ever since last spring and has stayed consistent with that. Not to take away from the other girls, because they have put in a lot of time as well. Jessie is really dedicated to becoming a better pitcher. Her technique has gotten better and is improving daily. We believe she’ll continue to improve.”
Behind the plate, the Lady Panthers could use several players at catcher. Freshmen Emily McLaughlin and Kyiah Marsh and sophomore Chloe Rocha all could see time there.
“Any of those girls could fill that spot for us,” Wright said.
The Lady Panthers will lean on the experience of senior Kenlie Noel in the infield. Noel, a four-year starter, is penciled in at shortstop and will bat high in the Lady Panthers’ order.
“Kenlie’s going to have to anchor our shortstop position,” Wright said. “We need her to give us offensive production and get on base. We don’t need to worry about batting average. We need her on base and use her ability to run the bases.”
Bowman, a former volleyball standout, joined the team this year and could play third base or first base. She is expected to bat in the middle of the Lady Panthers’ lineup.
“Allie Bowman has softball experience and is a good athlete,” Wright said. “We know that she can hit the ball hard and run the bases and understands the game.”
Sophomore Sydney Smith will play second base after seeing extensive playing time as a freshman.
“Sydney Smith played all year and has really improved,” Wright said. “Her focus and maturity and offense has improved. She’s gotten better all the way around.”
Sophomore Ericka Galloway played in the outfield as a freshman and could see time at first base. Freshman Micah Curry could also play first.
The Lady Panthers are expecting big things out of junior Aislyn Burchette, who they are counting on in center field.
“We’re looking for her to have a big year,” Wright said. “She can run the bases. She can hit. Just like Kenlie, we need her on base.”
Curry and freshman Maggie Torres are expected to man the corner outfield positions.
Curry has a good bat and a good arm, Wright said, while Torres is athletic and can make plays in the outfield. Senior Danielle Boyster will also figure in the Lady Panthers’ mix as the designated player.
“We’re looking for Danielle Boyster to have a huge offensive year for us,” Wright said. “She had a good year last year. She’ll have a better year this year. She’s one of the strongest girls in the shoulders and arms that I’ve ever coached. She’s really strong.”
The Lady Panthers will once again compete in the rugged 5A/6A District 1 Conference with 6A runner-up Greenwood, 5A power Farmington, Alma, Clarksville, Russellville and Harrison. The Lady Panthers split with Russellville and Harrison last season.