Depth paying off for Valley Center softball
Valley Center softball coach Corey Jones has the perfect balance of veteran and young players.
The Hornets, who are 6-2, rely heavily on an experienced infield that includes senior second baseman Karlee Canaday (four-year starter), junior catcher Emily Otte (three-year starter) and senior shortstop Max Williams (2010 all-AV-CTL Division II selection).
Sophomore first baseman Morgan Fluker is a returning starter, as well. Actually, Valley Center returns every player from 2010, when it finished 11-11.
Valley Center also added freshmen Gabby Sandoval and Megan Barnes.
"Our depth is the deepest it's been," said coach Corey Jones, in his sixth season.
That's especially true on the mound, where junior Chelsea Grandstaff throws the first game of doubleheaders.
"We have five pitchers that are dang near exactly the same," Jones said. "We have pitching depth, and two freshmen are getting pitching time."
Valley Center (6-2) has won four straight after opening the season with a loss to Circle, beating Buhler and then splitting with Salina South.
The Hornets' hitting has been especially strong. Canaday, the leadoff hitter, has a .516 batting average, while Otte and Williams are hitting .571, Fluker is at .461 and No. 6 hitter Sandoval is at .416.
Valley Center plays host to Andover Central today.
Making a statement — When McPherson opened the 2010 season, the Bullpups were 9-2 before going on an eight-game losing streak.
"The second half of the season was more competitive, and we struggled," McPherson coach Cody Stucky said."... We're off to a good start (this year), but we don't want to hit that skid like we did last year."
McPherson is 5-1 and plays host to Andover today and at Goddard on Thursday.
What gives Stucky confidence that this season could be different is because the Bullpups swept Arkansas City, a perennial Class 5A power.
"That was huge for us," Stucky said. "In the previous three years, we'd lost by one run in a couple games. We could never get over the hump. Those were some big wins for us.
"The girls are playing with confidence. We like to be aggressive on the bases, and we have pretty decent team speed."
Sophomore Morgan Swisher has pitched all six games, and Stucky said she gets stronger as she adds innings.
McPherson's leadoff hitter is sophomore Kasee Tully, while junior Emily Davis follows in the lineup. The Bullpups' top hitter is Riley Campbell, who has signed with Pittsburg State.
The Bullpups have versatility at the plate, too.
"Our three lefties in the lineup can lay down beautiful bunts, and Riley can drive it to the fence," Stucky said. "We definitely have a nice mix of small ball and girls who can clear the bases."
This story was originally published April 19, 2011 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Depth paying off for Valley Center softball."