The Eupora Lady Eagles made an impressive run though their regular-season schedule last year, only to be upended in the first-round of the playoffs to eventual North 2A champion Lake.
If the Lady Eagles are going to make another run, they will do it with some new faces on the field.
The Lady Eagles lost No. 1 pitcher Delta Claire Newman to Northwest Community College along with senior cacher Savannah Kilpatrick. But returning is Maleah Pogue and Harper Doggett who will handle the bulk of the pitching for the Lady Eagles this season.
“We have got a lot of potential to have a lot of fun,” Hunt said. “We have got a new pitcher and a new catcher and that’s very important in fast-pitch. Maleah has some experience and has got two pitches she can throw for a strike. She doesn’t throw that strong but not many pitchers are going to throw as hard has Delta Claire. She is very effective with the pitches she has. Se can throw a change up on any pitch. I don’t care if it’s softball or baseball, if you can throw a change up for a strike, you can be effective.”
While losing a catcher is normal a big deal, Hunt said he is fortunate to have one with experience on the roster already in Kylie Richardson. After Richardson, Hunt said he expects Neelie Dillinger, Ally Bingham and Jameela Marshall to all get some innings.
“She will be our No. 1 catcher and will be as good as any catcher you will see,” Hunt said. “She would have started for most anybody last year but we had Savannah. She has caught on her travel team so it won’t be knew to her.”
Hunt said he will play lots of players this season. At first base, Addison Mason and Rylee Brooke Crowell will each see playing time. At second base, Patience Bingham will get a look there along with Bri Davidson and Ella Harrison. At shortstop, Haley Farley will see the majority of reps and has been a starter there since the eighth grade. At third, Haylee McCrory moves from second base.
“If I get a chance to mix up the lineup, I will do it,” Hunt said. “I may move the girls around to break up the monotony. We have got to find out who my best lineup is when we get to district play. I try to play a lot of kids and find out who the top nine or 10 are. I will definitely change up the lineup as the season goes on.”
Eupora went 10-0 in Division 2-2A play last year and will compete Bruce, East Webster, Calhoun County and Leflore County this year.
“Calhoun will be very competitive,” Hunt said. “East Webster will be good again. Coach (Lee) Berryhill does an incredible job with them. It will be a dog fight between the three of us.”
Eupora will also play on a newly renovated field that Hunt said was sorely needed after losing eight home games last year.
“We built a brand new field and played our jamboree on it,” Hunt said. “I’m excited about getting out and working on it and making it better. The girls deserve it. But it wouldn’t have been possible without the hard work of some parents and grandparents. All I can say is a simple thank you. If it wasn’t for the hard work of our parents and grandparents, we would still be on that old field.”
