This is part of a series of team previews for the fall season. Here’s the complete list.
Cross Country | Football | Golf | Soccer | Softball | Swimming | Tennis | Volleyball
One of Republic’s youngest softball teams in recent memory fought through inexperience to finish above .500 at 16-13 last year. The season ended with a difficult 2-1 loss to Nixa, but looking back, coach Lee Dishman said the Lady Tigers played one of their best games of the year that night. He believes their strong finish to last season will build momentum going into this year. Dishman has seen continued growth over the spring and summer as the team faced tough competition around the region.
With a season of experience, Dishman believes his still relatively young squad is ready to blossom. Though dominated by juniors and sophomores, Dishman said the team has matured and understands what to expect at the varsity level compared to last year’s group. Seniors Jenna Belcher, Gracie Woods, and Ali Poulson will provide a stabilizing influence.
Offensively, Dishman expects a balanced attack with speed and power spread throughout the lineup. Things will start with Jenna Belcher, who returns in the leadoff spot and the shortstop position defensively — two of the most important roles on the team. Dishman said he considers Belcher one of the best all-around players in southwest Missouri, both for her bat and her defense.
Dishman expects aggressive base-running to continue being a hallmark. He estimated six to seven players in the order are legitimate base-stealing threats who will put pressure on opposing defenses. Combined with the ability to play small ball, Dishman described the Lady Tigers as a “terror on the bases” that gives them an advantage in manufacturing runs.
“We’re going to continue that. That’s going to put pressure on the defense,” Dishman said.
Addison Walker will bat second behind Belcher. She also provides speed, but has added some power since last season. In the middle of the lineup, Annabelle Gerhardt-Hobbs should be a powerful run-producer after hitting eight home runs last year. Piper Dishman will hit cleanup behind her.
Woods can hit the ball in the gap or drop a bunt and beat it out. Among the outfielders, Sammi Watson brings gap power as a hitter and the range to run down balls. Lilli Richerson returns at catcher and Dishman expects improvement from her offensively. Addie Brown is returning from injury to resume her role in center. Sophomore Paige Elsenraat had a standout summer at the plate and will use her speed in the nine hole to set the table as a “second lead-off hitter,” Dishman said.
In the circle, Piper Dishman gained valuable experience as a freshman starter last season. Now with a better understanding of varsity softball, Dishman said she relies more on her defense and doesn’t feel pressured to strike out every batter.
“She knows what to expect a little bit. She understands she doesn’t have to strike everybody out,” Dishman said.
In addition to Piper Dishman, Republic will have more options in the circle to get through the gauntlet of a packed six-week schedule. Kara Goeke and Cass Ellison will also contribute innings.
Dishman called Richerson the team’s most indispensable player, given her defensive skills and improved hitting.
“Lilli, in my opinion, is the most important player to not get hurt. Defensively, she’s awesome. Our pitchers have a lot of confidence in her,” he said.
Defensively, Dishman said the players are essentially the same as last year, but faster and stronger. Dishman singled out Belcher for keeping the defense focused and preventing teammates from getting rattled in pressure situations.
“Jenna has evolved into the leader that you want her to be in the infield. If you watch her, she’s always smiling. She’s matured to where nothing rattles her too bad,” Dishman said.
With a host of potential newcomers pushing the starters, Dishman said he expects continued growth and improvement. That could lead to big things for the Lady Tigers in 2023.
“The cool part about our program right now… is we’ve got a ton of kids that are pushing, and if somebody gets hurt, we’ve got more depth than we’ve ever had,” Dishman said. “We’ve got quality kids who… know where the team needs them, and they’ve bought into the goals for the season — to win as many games as we can.”
