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NHS softball team gets exhibition tune-up at Jamboree
The Nevada Lady Tigers unofficially opened its 2016 season Saturday at the McDonald County Softball Jamboree. While there, the Lady Tigers matched up against host McDonald County High School and East Newton, playing a pair of four inning contests.
Nevada assistant coach Danny Penn said the score was not kept for either game, but added that he was pleased with the Lady Tigers performance at the jamboree.
"We played well and our pitchers kept the ball in the zone," Penn said. "We made routine plays that were there to be made. Offensively, we put the ball in play and we had a couple girls drive the ball hard."
Penn added that sophomore catcher Cameron Holcomb launched a home run while junior Haiden Richmond reached on an opposite field double.
"We were impressed," Penn said referring to himself and NHS head coach Tammy Holcomb. "It was our first time to really put it all together and see where we were at."
Despite the score not being kept, Penn said the Lady Tigers were "right there" with both teams.
"You never really know how you're going to look," he said. "That was our first real outing of the season. Even though they were exhibition games, you're kind of nervous and holding your breath until you get out there. But we were very happy with how we played."
Nevada's lone returning pitcher, sophomore Kylie Boyd, was not available for the McDonald County Jamboree due to injury. In Boyd's absence Holcomb and Penn turned to freshman pitchers Maggie Leisure and Hailee Lundine.
"It was the first outings for them against varsity level competition," Penn said, "and they both pitched well."
One potential obstacle for Nevada is depth, with only 13 players on the roster. The Lady Tigers fielded 19 student athletes on its 2015 roster, losing six to graduation.
"We have low numbers in terms of turnout, but every girl that's out here is working hard," Penn said. "Coach (Holcomb) will take lower numbers and harder workers over higher numbers and lesser workers."
Holcomb, who guided the Lady Tigers to the 2010 MSHSAA Class 3 state championship, said her squad will be very young, with eight of its 13 players underclassmen.
"We don't have any returning seniors, but do have several returning starters that have helped us," she said. "The leadership and the drive to win will take this group far. They have a 'never quit attitude.'
"We have several freshmen that are going to step into key roles for our team. Our group of sophomores ---- many of them played a key role at the varsity level last year, while our junior class will be taking on a different type of role than they have had in the past."
The Lady Tigers season opener is slated for Monday as they host East Newton in a non-conference matchup at Bushwhacker Field. The first pitch is set for 5 p.m.
Lady Tigers 2016 roster
Anna Fulton, Jr.; Sarah Creasy, Jr.; Haiden Richmond, Jr.; McKenzie Cox, Jr.; Cameron Holcomb, So.; Kylie Boyd, So.; Maddison Marbough, So.; Emily Johnson, So.; Madison Hyder, Fr.; Maggie Leisure, Fr.; Lindsay Phebus, Fr.; Hailee Lundine, Fr.; Jadeann Highley, Fr.
(Note: As of right now, the Lady Tigers do not have a junior varsity team).
Check Tuesday's edition of the Daily Mail for coverage of the Lady Tigers season opener Monday against East Newton High School