North Callaway softball is receiving various contributions from varying levels of experience.
North Callaway at Centralia Softball Camp Photo Gallery
The Ladybirds finished their varsity …
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North Callaway softball is receiving various contributions from varying levels of experience.
North Callaway at Centralia Softball Camp Photo Gallery
The Ladybirds finished their varsity schedule last week on June 17 in Centralia by playing four games. They went 2-1-1 to run their summer scrimmage record up to 3-2-2 after winning one of three games on June 11 at a Lindenwood University camp.
In Centralia, North Callaway defeated Eldon 8-1 and Platte County 13-3, tied Clopton at 6 and lost to Centralia 11-6. At Lindenwood, the Ladybirds beat St. Charles 5-0, tied Fort Zumwalt East at 3 and lost to Warrenton 3-2.
Head coach Mariah McKee said there are plenty of young players who have done well despite being “thrown into the fire.” Some girls have played in spots in which they aren’t accustomed, and that has gone mostly well this summer.
“It’s just working on the communication piece, because we lost some big voices from last year, and just piecing things together,” McKee said.
McKee said some girls haven’t been available to play in games this summer, but that just means more opportunities for the younger players.
“They’re doing great,” McKee said. “They’re asking questions. That’s the main thing, too. You have a new starting lineup out there and new pieces so it’s just figuring everything out and seeing how people mesh.”
Madyson Gordon, Megan Schmidt and Kendra Pennell have been taking good at-bats at the top of North Callaway’s lineup this summer after having important roles on varsity last year. Another returning varsity starter Liv Knoepflein has done the same from the No. 4 hole while putting in more time at catcher.
McKee said the younger players who have shared the field with her experienced players have stood out as well. Sophie Olsson has been productive going into her sophomore season but so has her younger sister.
“I was really proud of Abria Olsson,” McKee said. “She’s a freshman. She pitched really well for us today (June 17 at Centralia) in two games. She threw strikes, and that’s what we needed.”
North Callaway has its youth softball camp remaining, and it will be held from 9:30 a.m. to noon July 29-31.
