The Community R-6 softball season is around the corner.

Community R-6 Softball at South Callaway Photo Gallery

The Lady Trojans finished their summer season on July 16 in a scrimmage doubleheader at South Callaway in Mokane. They won both games to put their summer record at 7-3, and more importantly, gave their younger players game experience before they start counting in the fall.

Head coach Jeff Angel takes over the program this season with a new coaching staff and likes his roster’s progress. Angel coached many of the girls while they were in junior high and said he knows they will eventually be more consistent in game situations like bunting and playing small ball, for example.

“We can be a dangerous team if we do the little things and convert all of the situations that we work on in practice,” Angel said. “All that takes is a little bit of confidence. You get a little bit of confidence, they become dangerous.”

Angel said his senior leadership will help everyone achieve the little things and keep the team focused. Jocelyn Curtis, Chloe Johnson and Peyton Schafer all have valuable roles on the field but also in the dugout.

Curtis is hitting and pitching the ball well, Angel said. Johnson should be back in time for the fall season after breaking her ankle early in the summer but is part of a veteran outfield with junior Lydia Hoyt. Schafer plays infield and catches and is another steady bat in the lineup.

“We’ve got some girls that do a lot of talking on the field and in the dugout,” Angel said. “That’s huge when somebody like that can reach out to somebody younger.”

Angel said this year’s Lady Trojans have plenty of speed and chemistry. He said they have also shown great ability in other areas.

“We make a lot of contact and put the ball in the play,” Angel said. “Our pitchers get ahead in the count early. If you throw strikes early, it’s to your advantage because you can work with pitches, waste pitches and control the game.”

Myla Carroll returns as a sophomore, and Angel said she is one of several girls who bring versatility and a team-first mentality to Community. He said freshmen Kaytlynn Arens and Maci Pointdexter also bring versatility as does Natali Sommer, who has time at catcher along with Pointdexter. Sophie Fennewald is a sophomore who has eaten innings in the circle along with Curtis and Carroll.