Lady Cat softball has new faces

Junior Miranda White hits the ball off the tee during batting practice last week. White is one of four returning players from last season’s state tournament team.

It was a memorable run last season for the Louisburg softball team as it reached new heights in the program.

The Lady Cats ventured to the state tournament and placed for the first time in school history after knocking off unbeaten Paola to win the regional crown. If Louisburg wants history to repeat itself, it will be asking a new group of players to take a big step forward.

Louisburg lost five starters from its fourth-place state team and will see a new look on the mound, behind the plate and an almost-new infield.

“I am looking for a lot of young kids to step up to the plate this year,” Louisburg coach Kristi Weers said. “We are a young team but they have been working hard and are determined.”

The Lady Cats have three underclassmen returning, including sophomore Allyssa Griggs, who will take the mound this year. Griggs started at different times as a freshman, including one game in the state tournament, but will be asked to carry the load this season.

Louisburg’s Cierra Rose underhands the ball to Blair Vohs as they turned a double play during practice. The Lady Cats open their season today in Paola.

Griggs will be throwing to a new catcher in Emalee Overbay. The Louisburg sophomore started several games as a freshman, but worked mainly in the outfield.

Overbay, who was an all-Frontier League selection a year ago, is one of the team’s top returning hitters.

Junior Miranda White, another returning all-league selection, will lead an outfield group in centerfield. White will also be a fixture in the middle of the Lady Cat lineup with Overbay.

Fellow junior Christina Dalrymple will look to provide some leadership as she returns from last season’s state team as well.

Louisburg opens its season today when it travels to Paola for a doubleheader. First pitch is set for 4:30 p.m.

“First game on the season, Paola is always a great team,” Weers said. “With that being said, we will go out and play the best we know how and hopefully pick up a couple of wins.”

LOUISBURG HIGH SCHOOL SOFTBALL SCHEDULE

Apr. 2                           @ Paola                              4:30 p.m.

Apr. 7                           @ Fort Scott                      4:30 p.m.

Apr. 9                           Prairie View                       4:30 p.m.

Apr. 14                         Eudora                                4:30 p.m.

Apr. 21                         @ Baldwin                          4:30 p.m.

Apr. 23                         @Osawatomie                  4:30 p.m.

Apr. 28                         De Soto                               4:30 p.m.

Apr. 30                         Chanute                              4:30 p.m.

May 5                          Ottawa                               4:30 p.m.

May 11                        @ Spring Hill                      4:30 p.m.

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