The bulk of Carthage’s starting lineup is back and the Tigers are ready to build off their 18-win season a year ago and reach for higher marks in 2024.
We are excited to have nine girls returning to our lineup who started and made significant impacts last year,” Carthage coach Stephanie Ray said. “We have six seniors who have been great leaders this offseason and show up to compete every day. Our leadership and experience will be key factors in the direction our program takes this year.”
“The girls are excited to get back on the field in August after taking a few weeks off before the first day of practice,” Ray added. “We have the capability to apply pressure on other defenses with our speed. I think if we approach this season one game at a time, we could still finish the season in the top half of the conference and make a run towards the end of the season and into districts.”
Though the Tigers graduated C Brooklynn Dolon-Main, RF Shelby Hegwer and 1B Alexis Smith, they still return a bevy of starters and several more with varsity experience.
Leading the list of turners are seniors Addie Wallace (P), Ashlyn Brust (SS), Jenna Calhoon (3B), Lexa Youngblood (CF) and Aven Willis (LF). Juniors Lottie Youngblood (2B/P) and Jaycee Bayless (1B) are joined by sophomores Emmy Start (OF) and Alizabeth Willis (OF).
“We are returning all of our pitching options from last year with no new additions. Senior Addie Wallace led the way for us on the mound going 16-13 with a 3.23 ERA,” Ray said. “She does a great job under pressure, and we look for her to continue being a leader for us on the infield.
“Lottie Youngblood was our everyday second baseman last fall, and gave us great relief on the
mound as well. She started in five games going to 2-3. This summer she picked up more velocity and has continued to work on her off-speed pitches and stamina on the mound. We are hoping the different styles of pitching between Addie and Lottie could really pack a 1-2 punch and keep opposing hitters off balance.
“Emmy Stark is our 3rd pitcher who I am excited to watch develop. She will help eat up some innings on the mound for us at the JV level, but I won’t rule her out for some innings on the mound at the varsity level as well.”
Joining the varsity program are senior catcher Ali Wicklund, junior OF Abbie Barton and sophomore IF/C Kaytlin Olinger.
“All three have been competing for positions this summer, pushing everyone else on the team. Ali has spent the last three years catching at the JV level. She has moved to the left side full time and has proven to be a great contact hitter capable of moving and driving in lots of runs. Abbie brings consistency in all aspects of the game and is a team first player, while Kaytlin brings power (whether it be at the plate or her arm while catching) and could eat up some innings for us behind the plate or in the DP role.”
Carthage gets underway this season in the 30th Annual Morrisville Tournament on Aug. 30 and 31.
“Our teams’ biggest strengths heading into this season are our team cohesiveness along with the ability to overcome adversity,” Ray said. "Our girls have really created a sisterhood, and it has been fun watching this development year after year. I really believe this bond is what allows us to show up and compete with anybody on any given day.”