Fort Scott softball returns six starters

FORT SCOTT, Kan. -- Based on what head coach Alvin Metcalf said Friday morning, Fort Scott High School's softball team can't wait to finally get the season started.

"I know that they're ready to start the games," Metcalf said. "This is all they have talked about for the last week. Just the idea of a game being this close is exciting. The enthusiasm, you can see it on the field every day.

"Our practices have been going great. We have been outside a lot more than last year already. Even when the weather is bad, we have a place to continue our routine and a chance to work on the little things."

Hopefully, Mother Nature won't disappoint the Tigers on Tuesday. That's the day they're scheduled to open the season with their annual four-team home tournament at Don Hewett Field. Defending champion Girard returns as do Southeast Kansas League rivals Pittsburg and Parsons.

"Girard is coming in as one of the top teams in the state in (Class) 4A," Metcalf said. "Jerry O'Rand always has Girard ready to play. Parsons has been improving every year. Pittsburg is always tough."

Six letter winners, all of whom started last year, return for the Tigers, who have 22 players out. Four of them are seniors while four are juniors and six are sophomores.

A tentative starting lineup has Erin Coffman moving behind the plate to catch after playing third base and the outfield last year. Jamie Collins returns at first base as do Elise Nation at second. Amanda Bowles, who played outfield last year, moves to shortstop. Peyton Riedel takes over at third base.

Outfield spots are not as settled. Jade Weeter or Sammi Newton are candidates in left field, Morgan Tourtillott or Jenna Harper in center and Sammi Therwhanger or Kim Harper in right. Of those players, Weeter, Tourtillott and Therwhanger have the most experience. Therwhanger started games in right field toward the end of the season.

Returning as the starting pitcher is senior Erica Davis, who was 10-3 last season with one no-hitter. Metcalf's stats showed she had an 0.92 earned-run average and 157 strikeouts as well. She, Nation, Bowles and Collins are the team's seniors.

"Our biggest (strength) is our leadership on the field," Metcalf said. "The four seniors have shown it by doing the little things right and helping out the underclassmen with the drills. As one saying goes, 'These girls don't just talk the talk, they also walk the walk.' The difference is, these girls walk beside their teammates."

The Tigers were 11-3 in the Southeast Kansas League last season, finishing second to Columbus, and went 14-5 overall. It was their fifth consecutive winning season. Metcalf feels that the defending champs will be tough as Columbus returns both starting pitchers. It also appears as though the quality of play in the league from top to bottom may be getting better.

"We should be right in the mix of another SEK battle," Metcalf said. "Pittsburg seems to be in the mix year-in and year-out. Labette County is a good team every year and they have a new coach. Independence always has a very good-coached team and a never-quit attitude. Coffeyville is a team that keeps getting better every year. Parsons is a team that could be a surprise if you take them too lightly. Iola is a good team and I expect them to make a run for the SEK title again this year. Chanute, we haven't had much of a chance to play them because of (rainouts)."

Tuesday's tournament begins at 4:30 p.m. Fort Scott will play on Don Hewett Field while the other semifinal takes place at the same time on the south field. The championship game will also be played at Don Hewett Field with the third-place game at the same time on the other field.