Key pitchers return for A-J softball

The Anna-Jonesboro High School softball team advanced to the super-sectional last season before a 1-0 heartbreaking loss to Piasa Southwestern.

The pitching duo that carried the Lady Wildcats to a 27-5 season returns with senior Rachel Hayden and junior Lindsey Patterson leading the way.

“We do have pitchers with experience,” A-J softball coach Kevin Stephens said. “I think we have the two dominating pitchers in the conference.”

Hayden and Patterson will each be on third base when not on the mound.

Other seniors in the mix are catcher Tarah Kunkel, first baseman Becky Lohstroh and right fielder Mahala Prater.

Other juniors who will contribute are second baseman Jayda Rendleman, utility/first baseman Makenzie Housman, first baseman Ariel Cross and left fielder Jordan Edwards.

Sophomores who will see varsity action are shortstop Fallon Clayton, utility player Lauren Holshouser and catcher Katelynn Brush.

“We’re going to be young in a couple of places,” Stephens said. “But a lot of girls we have are very competitive.”

Freshmen expected to contribute are center fielder Chandra Parr, pitcher Amanda Conaway and courtesy runner Brooke Chamness.

 Stephens said the team has been aided by off season competing in summer traveling softball teams as well as lifting weights.

“They have both helped us out,” said Stephens, who also coaches a traveling summer softball team.

The success of the Lady Wildcats depends on another factor.

“We look pretty solid,” Stephens said. “But it depends on how we handle pressure how well we’ll do.”

Stephens looks for Pinckneyville, Nashville and Sparta to be some of the top teams in the Southern Illinois River-to-River conference Mississippi Divisison race.

The Lady Wildcats open their season at Johnston City Tuesday, March 16.

“Our first five games are pretty tough,” Stephens said. “We could struggle at first. We certainly can’t afford any injuries.”

After Johnston City, A-J takes on Steeleville, Marion, Carterville and Shawnee.

Assistant coach is Michell Burris and volunteer assistant coaches are Rick Bittle and Jeff Hayden.