Lady Devil Dogs coach: ‘It’s going to be fun’

Morrilton softball is back. Coach Scott Poteete said his team has two pitchers whom he’ll be counting on to propel the Lady Devil Dogs to the top. “That’s the difference between winning and losing in what we do,” Poteete said of pitching. Makenna Keeton, a ninth-grader, will be backed up on the mound by Shelby Tindall, a sophomore, who pitched every game last year. Tindall will also play third base. The team finished last season 13-16 overall and 3-11 in the blended 5A/6A. “We should be a lot better this year,” he said. Pitching and defense should make the Lady Devil Dogs a threat. The eight returning starters, in addition to Tindall, are seniors Libby Shipp, center field; Alyssa Sparks, first base; Maggie Ragland, designated player, first base; juniors Gracie Ferrell, left field; Mary Kate Kordsmeier, shortstop; and sophomore twins Gracie Bane, right field, and Abby Bane, catcher. Tindall, a power hitter, also led the team in home runs with four last season. Another ninth-grader, versatile Loren Reynolds, will be integral to the team. “She can play second, third or short. She’ll play second and some third,” Poteete said. Kordsmeier is proven — she’s a two-time all-conference shortstop. Shipp led the team in hitting with a .468 average and led the team in stolen bases and triples, the coach said. She has signed with Lyon College in Batesville. The coach said other college prospects include Ferrell, Tindall, Keeton, Kordsmeier and Reynolds. Ferrell has a laser arm, leading the team in outfield assists with seven. Games to watch include Greenbrier on April 10. Poteete is in his eighth year as coach. Assistant coaches are Tyler Briscoe and Todd Sparks. Poteete said this is the Lady Devil Dogs’ time. “We have been really inexperienced the past two years,” Poteete said. “We have been building for this season, and we should have a dramatic improvement with three great senior leaders, eight returning starters, and we’ve added some talented freshmen. “I believe we’re going to hit for a lot more power; it’s going to be fun. We’re getting back where we were three years ago when we were winning 20-something games a year and making it to the playoffs. I feel real good about our chances.”