Republic softball enters the 2024 season with high expectations, returning seven starters from last year’s squad.
Head coach Lee Dishman sees the team’s experience as a key asset.
“We’ve got a big senior and junior class. We’re top-end heavy right now. I think there’s eight seniors and 10 or 11 juniors in the group now,” Dishman said. “The good part about it is those girls have played together since they were younger, so they know each other and mesh well together.”
The Lady Tigers’ pitching staff features the return of their top two arms. Piper Dishman, a left-hander, and Kara Goeke, a right-hander, offer contrasting styles.
“One’s left-handed, one’s right-handed, so you get a different look from each one of them,” Dishman said. “I would consider one (Piper Dishman) more of a power pitcher and (Goeke) more of a pitcher that’s going to get ground balls and try to mix you up a little bit.”
Behind the plate, Lilli Richerson returns for another year as starting catcher. Her experience provides stability for the pitching staff. Richerson is expected to bat in the middle of the order, adding power to the lineup.
“The main key for us sits behind the plate with Lilli,” Dishman said.
Republic’s outfield remains intact from last season. Addie Brown, who was recovering from an injury last season, will play left field. Her fully healthy return bolsters an already strong unit. Sammi Watson patrols center, with Paige Elsenraat in right.
“Our outfield will probably be one of the best in the area, as far as defense and offense,” Dishman said. “Sammi Watson’s kind of taking control in center field, and there are not many balls that drop that should be caught.”
Watson’s leadership is a key component of Republic’s defensive strength. Elsenraat, slated to play right field, is expected to bat second, providing speed at the top of the order.
The infield is mostly intact from last year, too. Annabelle Gerhardt-Hobbs will anchor first base. She’s likely to bat in the heart of the order, contributing to the team’s offensive production. Addison Walker shifts from third to shortstop, with Cass Ellison likely moving to third. Ellison filled in at shortstop for several games last season, when Jenna Belcher was injured. Senior Ashland Schaumann is expected to take over at second base after the graduation of Gracie Woods.
“Ashland’s a good player. Unfortunately, she’s just a year younger than Gracie was. I think she’s taking control of that position and she’ll do a really good job,” Dishman said.
Offensively, the Lady Tigers must replace graduated leadoff hitter Belcher. Walker will likely step into that role.
“Addison can hit with a little bit of power, but we need her to hit more just getting on, because she’s got speed, too,” Dishman said. “If she’ll keep the ball out of the air a little bit, she’ll be pretty deadly for us.”
The lineup should feature speed at the top and bottom, with power in the middle. Ellison will be one source of speed in the lower third of the order, setting the table for when the lineup gets back around to Walker.
Senior Brooklyn Reed should get some important at-bats, too. “She is a quality hitter that we will use in key pinch-hit spots,” Dishman said.
Republic’s coaching staff has implemented new analytics tools to refine hitting approaches. Assistant coach Allen Stolte uses bat sensors during practice to measure swing metrics. Players receive individualized data cards to guide their practice routines.
“Each kid gets a card. They carry that card with them and they know specifically what drill they need to work on to better their percentages,” Dishman said. “It’s really been good this summer because the girls are taking some ownership of it.”
The Lady Tigers’ summer included league play and tournament action. Dishman noted the team’s chemistry, with older players mentoring newcomers.
“We’ve played in a couple of leagues this summer, played in some tournaments, and our older girls are really showing the younger girls how to do things,” he said.
While conference and district titles are goals, Dishman emphasized a focus on teamwork and leadership as the season unfolds.
“Obviously you have your goals of wanting to win the conference and the district. Those are in the back of our minds a little bit,” Dishman said. “The forefront is just to get off to a good start, have some good leaders, and then the rest will take care of itself. We’ll win ballgames if we do that.”
