Beavers are versatile
WASHBURN — With the success that Washburn’s female athletes have experienced over the past school year, softball coach Tammy Tatlock hopes to use what the girls have learned as a springboard into the softball season.
An appearance in the semifinals in soccer and a state championship in basketball have the girls hungry to make their mark on the softball field as well. Now in her seventh year as the coach, Tatlock feels there are several keys to their success this season.
“We will need solid pitching and quality defense in order to be successful this season,” stated Tatlock, who recognized that the last few seasons have been building years for the program. She said the Beavers will display speed on both offense and defense. The winning attitude that they bring from other sports will also be an asset throughout the season, according to the coach.
The Beavers will put a core of quality athletes on the field this season. Leading the way will be junior Kristi Sperrey and senior Amanda Libby, who will share the pitching responsibilities. Sperrey will also see action at third base, while Libby will also put in time behind the plate in the catching spot.
Senior Makayla Ronco will anchor the outfield in center. Freshman Carmen Bragg will also fill a variety of roles for the Washburn squad. After a year which saw her finish third in the state in cross country, win a state title in basketball and be named the Most Valuable Player in the tournament, Bragg will be looked upon to be an impact player on the diamond as well. She will rotate into the pitching duties as well as share time at third base. Her quickness should serve her well on the basepaths as well.
Freshman Nicole Olson, another quality performer on the hardwood, will see infield duty at both third and first base. She may also get some time on the pitcher’s mound as well.
Flexibility will be a strength for this team with players being able to perform at multiple positions. Senior Lindsay Blackstone will be asked to play left field as well as see time at first base. Senior Kayla Brewer will also work out of the outfield as well as at the first base bag. Junior Tia Dee will round out the outfield prospects in right field.
Other contributors will include junior Breana Hyde at second base, freshman Shanae Burtt at shortstop, and freshman Courtney Cannon in a utility role in the outfield.
With her squad’s youthfulness, each game will be an opportunity to improve.
“Our focus is to make the playoffs this season,” Tatlock said. “That is our goal.”
