A 12-16 record last year didn’t necessarily reflect the strides the Trojan Softball team took as a program compared to years past. Despite an up and down year, Park Hill made a run at the conference crown before finishing third and fell short of a district title in extra innings. Although they lose five starters, the 2010 Trojans will be aiming to build on the foundation they’ve laid.
Decorated returning starters include catcher Michele Rupard and shortstop Bethany Sullinger. Others returning with varsity experience include pitcher Makenzi Porter, infielder Liza Hill, and utility player Megan Nelsen. Upperclassmen Katey Kohl, Nikki Colwell, Micalla Rettinger, Nikki Moss, and Lindsey Horstman are all expected to make an impact.
The Trojans will seek contributions from younger players like Page Downs and Samantha Snodgrass from a large sophomore class to fill some of the remaining holes in the lineup.
“Our sophomore class is pretty big so if we can get a couple of them to step into varsity spots that would be good,” Coach Stuart Sullinger said. “Our freshmen are very enthusiastic, so the future looks good, but they’re not quite ready yet.”
With Rupard returning behind the plate, sophomores Porter and Lindsey Monroe will compete with a pair of incoming freshmen for a pitching role. On offense, Sullinger says the top of their lineup looks good, but hopes to round it out with players who can make contact with the ball.
“We’ll have three or four stud hitters,” Sullinger said. “The rest of the lineup we’re really trying to get them to set back and drive the ball so we can move base runners over more and execute.”
After an excruciating nine game skid they went through last year, Sullinger knows if they can do the little things right, similar streaks can be avoided.
“It’s about playing perfect catch. If the pitchers do what they should do then that’s what it amounts to,” Sullinger said. “If we can eliminate mistakes we should be ok, and that’s our number one priority.”
Park Hill will compete with some unfamiliar teams for the first time in several years including St. Joe Central, North Kansas City, and Lee’s Summit West, but Truman could be the team to beat if the Trojans compete confidently.
“I think I know in my mind what we can do,” Sullinger said confidently. “I’m not sure if they know what we can do yet.”
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