Cobden softball fields young squad

Playing time should give a boost to a young Cobden High School softball team this spring.

“We’re super young,” Cobden softball coach Nathan Emrick said. “We might be playing three or four freshmen at a time.”

The Appleknockers have only six upperclassmen on their roster returning from last season’s 18-12 squad.

“We’ve got a good core coming back,” Emrick noted. “We have girls who have played a lot of varsity.”

Emrick will rely heavily on his senior hurler, Kristin Pender.

“With Kristin in the circle we have a chance to win some ball games,” he said. Pender could be in the infield when not on the mound.

Other seniors returning are first baseman/designated player Devyn Inman; shortstop/second baseman Hannah Spalt and outfielder Alexis Peterman.

Senior third baseman Taylor Ellis is also expected to contribute. She is a transfer student from Shawnee.

The only junior on the roster is outfielder/catcher Laurelin Pitts. The squad’s only sophomore is outfielder Sandra Hartline.

Pitching help will come from freshmen Carley Washer and Taylor Tomazzoli.

Other freshmen on the roster are utility player Josi Braden; shortstop/second baseman Sara Millis; outfielders Anna Renzaglia, Aubrey Glasco and Jenessa Peinado; catcher Keileigh Britt; and outfielder Ashten Crismon, a transfer student from Murphysboro.

Washer could be playing on the infield when she is not pitching and Tomazzoli is an outfielder.

Cobden softball is a Class 1A team which will play as an independent. Emrick believes that having several games scheduled against Class 2A teams will provide the Appleknockers with the competition and experience needed to prepare them for later in the season.

The Appleknockers are scheduled to open their season Friday, March 15, at home against Murphysboro.