Key starters return for Cobden softball

The Cobden High School softball team will have to avoid injuries to enjoy a successful spring.

“We don’t have a lot of numbers out,” Cobden coach Nathan Emrick said. “We can’t afford to get anybody injured.”

The nucleus of the squad does return from last season’s 21-8 team.

Senior starters returning are catcher Emily Flamm, third baseman/pitcher Taylor Wilkins, third baseman/shortstop Emily Flamm, leftfielder Krysti Davis and centerfielder Becca Russell.

Two junior starters returning are pitcher/third baseman Kristin Pender and shortstop/second baseman Hannah Spalt.

Another senior vying for playing time is outfielder Katie Mowell.

Other juniors in the mix are first baseman Devyn Inman and outfielder Alexis Peterman.

The only sophomore on the squad is catcher/infielder Laurelin Pitts. The lone freshman is outfielder Sandra Hartline.

Kristin Pender and Wilkins should handle the pitching duties.

“If the girls buy into our system and stay focused, we’ll be pretty good,” Emrick said. 

Emrick looks for a lot of improvement in the South Egyptian Conference this spring.

He sees Shawnee as being competitive, Dongola as much improved and Century with a solid pitcher.

“We’re going to have to stay focused to win,” he said.

The Appleknockers open their season March 15 at home against Zeigler-Royalton.