March 13 softball opener set for A-J

Anna-Jonesboro Community High School softball coach Kevin Stevens has a positive attitude heading into the spring season.

“I think we’ll have a really good season,” he said. “They’ve been working really hard” in practice, he added.

Stevens gives a lot of credit for any success during the season to assistant coach Krystal Emrick for her efforts throughout the year.

“She puts a lot of time into it, she’s amazing,” said Stevens, who noted that Emrick is a teacher at the school and is able to work with the players. Like many area high school coaches, Stevens has an outside job away from the school.

This season’s pitching duties should be handled by senior Amanda Conway,  with back up from junior Mikayla Dammerman.

Other seniors expected to contribute are shortstop Chandra Parr and centerfielder Brooke Chamness. Stevens noted that Parr was injured last season but is expected to be back at full strength this year.

Other juniors are firstbaseman Katie Edwards, thirdbaseman Kendall Carter and utility player Taylor Peterson.

Sophomore outfielder/infielder Haley Inman  and secondbaseman/outfielder Katie King, also a sophomore, are also expected to contribute.

All nine of those players saw a lot of playing time last year, said Stevens. The Lady Wildcats finished 16-13 last season.

 The other sophomore on the roster is firstbaseman Cierra Wallace.

Freshmen hopefuls are firstbaseman Megan Smiley, catchers Madison Wellons and Reagan Morrison and outfielders Madeline Mayo and Miranda Lingle.

“Our defense is solid,” Stevens said. “I’m looking at us being primarily a hitting team.”

Stevens sees Pinckneyville, Carterville, Nashville and A-J as the top teams in the Southern Illinois River-to-River Mississippi Division this spring.

The Lady Wildcats open their season Wednesday, March 13, at home against Johnston City.