Slow-pitch off and running

Like the rest of the softball world, Purcell is coming off last year’s pandemic shortened season.

The 2021 Dragons will be led by seniors Hannah Buchanan, Kinley Croslin, Kaylee Evans, Brook Fleming and Missy Nimsey.

“These girls were in 6th grade when I got the job here, to see how much they have grown and matured is something I am proud to be a part of,” head coach Sarah Jones said. “I am excited to spend part of the school year with them.”

Jones reports this season will be “one of growth”.

“We don’t have everyone coming back who plays fast-pitch but that is OK,” she said. “It gives those girls who didn’t get a lot of playing time in fast-pitch to get reps. It is important for these girls to get as many reps as they can and slow-pitch is good for that,” Jones said.

“If not (for slow-pitch) girls can go from October-July (9  months) without catching, throwing or swinging a bat,” the coach said.

Jones said she was impressed with her pitchers in their initial scrimmage of the season against Tecumseh.

Croslin will be the club’s ace with sophomore Madison Veach and freshman Kelly Anderson backing her up when needed.

“This season we will have to show a lot of heart and grit,” Jones continued. “We don't have the depth we normally do so girls could be playing in positions they aren’t used to.

Jones reported Buchanan, Fleming and Nimsey will be spending most of their time in the infield.

Evans and freshman Alie Holler-Willess will spend time behind the plate and in the field.

Freshman Savanna Edwards and fellow freshman Kailynn Helton will be in and out of the infield and outfield and the others will be filling in when needed. Payci Constant, once healed from a broken foot, will spend time in the outfield, the coach reported.

“This coaching staff is definitely one of the best ones for slow-pitch between the junior high and high school,” Jones confirmed.

 “Scott Ward, Kenzie Cunnius, Erica Keen, and myself are all doing it together. Super proud of our junior high group practicing in the cold every morning for the last month,” she said.

The Dragons opened the season last Thursday coming up on the short end of a 15-12 contest at Newcastle.

Five errors proved costly to the Dragons.

“I was beyond proud of the girls for the overall fight they had in the game,” Jones said.

“Our errors got the best of us and some pitching calls didn’t go our way but overall they didn’t give up.”

Jones said her seniors showed great leadership.

“Kinley Croslin did great on the mound.” Jones said. “She only had two walks (to Newcastle’s seven). It could have been more if we would have been patient.”

Savanna Edwards swung a red-hot bat going 4-4 with a walk and a home run.

Croslin helped her own cause going 2-2 with a pair of home runs, two walks and had five RBIs.

Missy Nimsey went 2-4. Hannah Buchanan had a lead off home run, and Brook Fleming, and Kailynnn Helton both had hits.

“Our defense was a little rocky but nothing that can’t be fixed,” the coach said. “Even with a loss, it was a great start to the season.”

Purcell was defeated 12-0 by Westmoore in the Dibble Festival earlier this week and will finish the week up in the Purcell/Lex Tournament at home.