WEST PLAINS, Mo. – The Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP) Grizzly Softball team will begin its inaugural season this weekend, and Head Coach Don Long, Assistant Coach Amy Marshall, Team Coordinator Ashley Cooley, and the 12 players who make up the squad are ready to take the field.
“We’re excited to kick off our 2023 spring inaugural season this week,” Long said. “I’m looking forward to seeing what our team can accomplish. Our girls have been putting in the time in our indoor facility and weight room this preseason.”
Although the first roster is small after losing seven members at the end of the fall semester, Long said the team gained a great pitcher, Anabelle Hitt of Lynchburg, by transfer from State Fair Community College in Sedalia.
“We are fortunate to add Anabelle to our roster and look forward to her bringing the energy to the mound,” Long said. “Anabelle and fall returner Kailey Garrett from Plato will be great assets to our team.”
The Grizzlies’ strength as they enter the season will be their tough defense and continuity, Long said. The defensive effort will be led by Kenzie Massey, Grandby; Lexy Bridges, Diamond; Hailey Garrison, Sarcoxie; and Molly Poole, Monett. Long expects all of them to contribute a lot to the team’s infield energy.
Mansfield’s Madalyn Ivy, the coach said, has put in the time to strengthen her arm during the offseason and has adjusted well to her role in the outfield. Versatile Tessa Feeback, Fordland, continued to improve during the offseason and will see time on the mound for the Grizzlies this spring, Long said.
Sarah Fehr, Dora, will be behind the plate for the Grizzlies this semester. “She is a hard worker who finds time for extra workouts, extra swings and strengthening drills,” Long said. “She is committed to getting better, and her hard work is definitely showing that.”
Long praised Maddie Good, Branson, for her vocal leadership, which spurs energy and intensity for the Grizzlies. “She suffered an injury this past fall, but she is rehabbed and ready to go this spring,” he said.
Although not as vocal as some of the other Grizzlies, Morganne Aaron, Cabool, and Trinity Elliott, Mountain Grove, both lead by example by putting their heads down and working hard, Long said. “They will bring great energy to the plate this spring,” he added.
The Grizzlies’ first game of the season was scheduled for Feb. 1, but inclement weather pushed the season opener to Sunday, Feb. 5. They will face the North Arkansas College Pioneers at Harrison. Game times are 12 and 2 p.m.
The spring schedule also includes three of the Grizzlies’ toughest opponents from the fall season: Three Rivers College, State Fair Community College and Moberly Area Community College. Games against all three proved challenging for the Grizzlies, Long said.
Other opponents include Arkansas State University-Mountain Home, Williams Baptist College junior varsity, Metropolitan Community College of Kansas City, East Central College, St. Louis Community College, Mineral Area College, St. Charles Community College and Jefferson College. The full schedule can be found on the team’s website at MSUWPGrizzlies.com.
“We will certainly learn as we go and face the challenges as they present themselves,” Long explained. “I am determined that our team will learn and improve throughout the spring season.”
For more information about the Grizzly Softball team, visit the team’s Facebook page, Facebook.com/GrizzlySB, or website, MSUWPGrizzlies.com.
