Park Hill South senior Curstin Todd will be a leader this fall.
The Park Hill South softball team had a 3-game losing skid on three separate occasions last fall – including as much as eight in a row – but will have a more experienced squad with 12 varsity returners coming back.
Park Hill South ended with a record of .500 or better for more than 15 years before going 11-21 last fall. The Lady Panthers’ offense had struggles, only scoring 4.3 runs per game and giving up 6.8 runs.
“We are experienced but have a lot of work to do to compete for conference and districts,” Park Hill South head softball coach Josh Walker said. “Pitching must come around and timely hitting will be key to our success.”
Seniors Curstin Todd, Madeleine NeSmith, Hope Nelson and Keely Mastio were starters last year along with classmate Taylor Rowell who subbed into the outfield on occasion. NeSmith was the Lady Panthers’ top pitcher a year ago, appearing in 22 games and striking out 56 batters with a 4.89 ERA.
“We return a lot of pitchers, but they need work. Only a couple of them pitched this summer,” Walker said.
Park Hill South has some returning junior starters with first baseman Erin Stewart, infielder Bayli Middleton and utility player Joniyah Turner, along with outfielders Shailee Rafols and Emalee Taylor. The Lady Panthers has some varsity lettermen returning in sophomore infielder Maddie Smith and junior utility player Delaney Gennings.