Siloam Springs softball takes care of early business: a win
The Siloam Springs softball team didn’t win a game last season. It didn’t take the Lady Panthers long to get their first victory of this season, dispatching Providence Academy 11-0 in the season opener.
“Everyone was ecstatic for the program,” Coach Emily Grace Ruggeri said of the win. “The team worked really hard for this first win. We hope to carry this momentum into the rest of the season.”
In the Providence Academy game, senior Aspeyn Downing had three hits with four runs batted in and freshman Brooklyn Spencer had two hits with two runs batted in. Freshman Lola Kirby threw all five innings in the shutout and had five strikeouts, Ruggeri said.
“We are really looking forward to this season and some new and young players who will help contribute greatly to our success,” said Ruggeri, who is starting her fifth season as head coach.
The Lady Panthers also beat Providence Academy 12-2 on March 15, just before spring break.
At first base the Lady Panthers will have freshman London Buffington and junior Lauren Dawdy. Second base will be Spencer,
who is a freshman. Sophomore Blair Morris and freshman Adealyn Jones will be at shortstop. Third base is held down by junior Kaidence Prendergast. Catchers are Downing, a senior, and Buffington.
Outfielders who will be primary contributors are senior Taven Peck, juniors Aveary Speed and Kayleigh Castaneda and freshman Logan Loyd, Ruggeri said.
Two pitchers will get the bulk of the innings this season — Kirby and Morris, Ruggeri said.
“We have a lot of confidence in our young arms,” Ruggeri said. “Keys for them will be working ahead in counts, hitting spots and trusting their defense to make plays behind them.”
Strengths include the team’s energy and communication and hitting, Ruggeri said.
Youth could be a weakness, Ruggeri said.
“Having two young pitchers and over half our varsity contributors being new to the team/freshmen this season, we will have to figure out our team identity,” Ruggeri said.
Ruggeri expects the 5AWest Conference season to be tough.
“You have to earn every run, out and win,” Ruggeri said. “We are up to the challenge and looking forward to getting out there and competing and battling with some of the best in 5A.”
“We are really excited for the season and what our team can accomplish,” Ruggeri said. “This team has been working really hard to establish the Siloam Springs softball program as a program that is going to battle, compete and control the controllables every day.”