Lady Tigers Expect Softball Success In 2013

PRAIRIE GROVE — In the 2010 softball season coach Chris Collins fielded a squad that leaned heavily on seven freshman starters.

Now in 2013, a good chunk of those starters remain and make up the senior laden class of players Collins is counting on to propel the Tigers toward a successful season.

“We have been building towards this season for a long time now,” Collins said. “It was an uphill battle those first couple of years, but this season we’re expecting bigger things.”

Pitchers

Kelbie Brown has been twirling for the Tigers since her sophomore season. The senior, who has already inked her commitment to play for Ecclesia College can play multiple positions and batted over .450 from her lead off spot last season. Hard-throwing junior Madison Skelton will alternate starts with Brown and also can play more than one position.

Infield

Junior Madison Cluck, who Collins says is “born to play catcher,” led the Tigers in RBI’s last season despite missing five games. First base will be manned by Addison Evans, who Collins says swings a good bat and is a good base runner. Speedy junior Valarie Shepherd is penciled in at second base, where she will share time with Brown. Collins says senior shortstop Sidney Jaro has brought an improved focus to her game and is ready to lead by example.

Christian Parker has gained a reputation for her big bat and Collins says his senior at third base is also an effective fielder. Skelton may see some time at third base, as could senior Kaleigh Witherspoon.

Outfield

Collins has numerous options in the outfield, but will mainly rely on seniors Witherspoon, Loren Gragg and Kaitlin Asbil. Collins says Gragg is poised for a big season after being hampered by a back injury last year. Witherspoon earned all-state honors last season after batting over .500.

“Spoon is one of the hardest workers we have and she’s her own harshest critic,” Collins said.

Asbil is making the move from infield to the outfield where she can take advantage of her great arm, according to Collins.

Overview

After a solid regular season in 2012, the Tigers failed to advance to the regional tournament following an error-plagued loss to the Gentry in the district tournament quarterfinals. That loss has provided fuel for Collins to motivate his squad whenever he perceives a lack of effort.

“I remind them of it all the time. When things aren’t going well I ask them if they want to repeat what happened at the end of last season.”

BEN MADRID ENTERPRISE-LEADER Hard-throwing junior Madison Skelton will alternate starts on the mound and also can play more than one position for the Prairie Grove girls softball team.