Softball Preview
The Bethel Lady Wildcat softball team is excited for another successful season of competitive play in the Mid-South Conference. Coach John Weeks enters his 5th season (79-78) at the helm after an inaugural season in the MSC that saw the Cats finish 26-16 overall and 18-14 in the league. The 18 conference wins are the most by any Bethel softball team, eclipsing the old mark of 17 set in 2019. Of the 16 losses, all were to conference foes, all but four of the losses were to conference opponents who made the opening round of the NAIA Championship. Ten of the losses were by three runs or less.
The highlights of the season included wins over nationally ranked Campbellsville, then #16 and a double header sweep of Lindsey Wilson, then ranked #2 in the nation.
Statistically, the Lady Wildcats look to improve upon an offensive performance that included a team batting average of .326, averaging 5.95 runs scored per game, an impressive 8.98 hits per game and 5.29 RBIs per game, all second-place rankings in the conference. Throughout the conference season, the Lady Wildcats split or won three of the four games with every team in the league but two, Campbellsville and FHU.
Coach Weeks is assisted by 1st year assistant coach, Rachel Wright. Coach Weeks states, "Coach Wright has been an asset from day one. She not only brings additional coaching experience to the team, but as a former player has postseason experience that we need. Her enthusiasm and passion for the game is evident in her approach to coaching the players."
The team returns seven of the nine starters from last season.
This year's team returns two First Team All-Conference performers in Melanie Alexander and Kayla Gillespie. NFCA/NAIA All American Alexander, hit an impressive .504 batting average, had 33 RBI's and a slugging percentage of .837. Gillespie (OF, DP) produced well at the plate with a .350 batting average with five home runs and 29 RBI's. Seniors, Brittney Minor and Morgan Hunt look to add to the offense hitting .393 and .324 respectively last season. Hunt adds an additional dimension of speed swiping 37 bases last season and has 65 total for her career. Newcomers Maria Murdaugh (OF), Leah Beasley (DP) and Lexi Thrasher (OF) had great fall seasons and will be expected to see action both offensively as well as defensively. Senior Jade Brallier (C) and junior Kalani Kuroda (P) also bring power to the offensive lineup. Twin sister Kennedy Gillespie (1B) brings great presence in the box hitting an impressive .407 last season. Brynn Browder (OF) could see action as a pinch runner and stress defenses with her speed.
Defensively, the Lady Wildcats return seniors Gillian Grahn (3B), Mid-South Gold Glove Recipient and senior catcher Alexis Wheeler (C). Grahn earned the Golden Glove Award with a .982 fielding percentage locking down the hot corner at 3rd base. Wheeler brings a wealth of experience and leadership behind the dish with 81 games in only three seasons, one of which was shortened by Covid. Neither are slouches offensively, with Grahn posting a .339 batting average, a .488 on base percentage and 17 RBI's. Wheeler posted a .448 on base percentage, 18 RBIs, and has stolen 26 bases. She has been caught only three times in her career. Senior Madison White (SS) returns to short after a late injury last fall which limited her to mainly hitting (.333 BA, Honorable Mention All-Conference). Weeks commented, "Madison has had the best fall since arriving on campus as a freshman. I look forward to her having a great year." Kayla Reed (2B), Kirsten Eversole (2B) and senior Jenna Love (2B) could all see action on the infield. Freshman catcher Emma Johnson (C) is a suitable backup catcher to Wheeler as well as seniors Brallier and Gillespie.
Coach Weeks said, "Pitching is the one area of the team that is untested. We practically lost the entire staff from last season." Kaylie McKinley (P) returns as the returner with the most experience. Kalani Kuroda (P) returns to form after a couple of injuries set her back. Incoming freshman Lauren Reimsnyder had a good fall and will see action on the mound. Madison Locke (P) transferred from UT Southern in the spring of 2021 but had to sit that season due to conference transfer rules. Weeks added, "Maddi is a fierce competitor and I look forward to seeing her this season. She came in and learned the system and watches the game from a coach's vantage point. Her maturation has been excellent and she's eager to be tested." Union University transfers Lily Johnson (P) and Leah Beasley (P) have been exciting to watch and will fit in nicely here at Bethel. Transfer student Madison Haught (P) brings game experience as well as a mound presence to the team. She threw 11 innings this fall, allowing only one run to the University of Memphis."
All in all, the expectations are high, and both the team and the coaches eagerly await the first contest of 2022.
For roster and schedule information, visit the softball page at www.bethelathletics.com.
Go Cats!!