Brytni Dale
HAGERSTOWN, Ind. – New Hagerstown softball coach Kelsi Stotler is pleased with the progress her team had made as the Tigers prepare for the 2016 season.
“I am very happy with all these girls and how hard they work day in and day out,” Stotler said. “We have a great group of girls, each and everyone of them practices hard and everyone has improved a ton since the first practice.”
The Tiergs were 12-9 overall and 4-3 in the Tri-Eastern Conference a year ago.
“My expectations for this year are that we play hard every game,” Stotler said. “I think we have a great shot at winning the TEC.”
“We have some good competition, but if we prepare well like I know the girls will, we can do anything,” Stotler added. “With me being a new coach at Hagerstown, the girls have adjusted well to my system. I told them in the beginning that I want them to give me there all and work hard day-in and day-out and we will have fun along the way. They have done a great job so far and can’t wait to get this season underway and see how we look.”
The Tigers are scheduled to begin the season at home with a doubleheader against New Castle on Saturday, April 4.
Brytni Dale and Gabby Willis are two returning players who were honored by the TEC in 2015.
Dale was All-TEC as she posted a 12-7 record on the mound for the Tigers with a 2.20 ERA. Offensively, she batted .327 with a pair of homers and 18 RBI.
An All-TEC Honorable Mention choice, Willis is the team’s shortstop. She hit .427 last season and led the team with 32 hits, while stealing 11 bases.
The top returning run producer is Morgan Masters, who knocked in 20 runs last spring. Catcher Taylor Kelley batted .375 and had 13 RBI.
The other returning players are Ashley Strunk, Lacee Dale, Victoria Pierson, Caysey Dale, Chandra Roark, Paige Johnson and Emily Yutzy.
“I think we have a strong outfield and our infielders are pretty consistent,” Stotler said. “I feel like we are very solid.
The newcomers are Lexi Eblen, Isabelle Phelps, and Emilee Thackrey.
“They are great additions to this team,” Stolter said. “They are adjusting well and are having a lot of fun.”
Hagerstown entertains Union County in its TEC opener on Thursday, April 7.