Published: August 19, 2008 09:09 pm            

Lady Wolves still team to beat

On paper it might look like a rebuilding year for the Edmond Santa Fe softball team, but that’s not the case. Despite losing a pair of Division I players, and returning just two seniors, the Lady Wolves should be a force in Class 6A again this season.

The main reason being the team’s pitching duo of junior Sierra Bronkey and senior Evan Gray. The pair helped guide the Lady Wolves to the state tournament last year and should be even more effective this fall.

They gave opponents a taste of what’s to come, as they led Santa Fe to victories over Owasso and Tulsa Union last weekend in the Stillwater Festival.

“They both just looked awesome, if they can throw and hit like they did we have a great shot to win any game,” Santa Fe Rhonda Lawson said.

Offensively, the Lady Wolves will look to Gray, Bronkey and Whitney Davis to carry the load. The three are capable of hitting for power, but will also look to put the ball in play, and utilize Santa Fe’s great team speed.

“The speed lets us play small ball and it gives us a lot of options,” Lawson said.

The Lady Wolves also have a pair of returning outfield starters in Hayden James and Jackie Wiist. Madison Martin will round out the outfield platoon, taking over for Brittany Osborn, who is playing for Wichita State this year. The freshman shows great poise at the plate, and could see time in the circle as well.

Along with Martin, the Lady Wolves will see several other fresh faces in the lineup. Karly Nevez saw increased playing time at shortstop towards the end last season, and will split time with Bronkey this year. Cailee Null takes over catching duties with the departure of Louisiana State bound Morgan Russell. Davis will hold down third base, Amanda Cain will start at second base, and Jordan Otey and Gray will split time at first base.

“Even though we’re young, they’ve been there and had to watch, so they’re fired up about the opportunity now,” Lawson said.

Lawson also plans to rely on freshman utility player Kailee Humann.

“I feel comfortable playing her anywhere, and she’ll just be ready to go when someone isn’t,” Lawson said.

While the young players may be ready to go, Santa Fe may have a few bumps in the road, as the girls become accustomed to playing together on the field.

“With so many new people in the lineup, we just need some more time to jell together,” Lawson said.

Next up for the Lady Wolves will be the Deer Creek Festival, which is scheduled to kick off on Friday.

        

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