After injury, Troy looks to freshman pitcher
<p>First baseman Caitlin Johnston third out top of the fourth on a throw from shortstop Breanna Opland vs. Plains. (first of a doubleheader)</p>
Despite the loss of their starting pitcher and projected No. 3 hitter due to a knee injury, the Troy Lady Trojans softball team expects to make some noise behind seven returning starters.
The Lady Trojans enter the season with freshman Kylee Carr as the veteran team’s starting pitcher. If things go well, Carr’s job will be as simple as throwing strikes and letting her defense make plays.
“That’s what we are reinforcing with her,” Troy’s third-year Coach Brendan Miller said. “We need to help her grow and not make her think she needs to strike everyone out.”
After managing the growing pains of a youth movement, Troy expects to build on experience, playing seven returning starters after starting as many as five freshmen last season. The loss of last year’s starting pitcher, Hailey Peterson, to an ACL injury suffered near the end of basketball season will be a setback, but Miller believes his team can compete in a loaded Northwest B Conference that includes the reigning first-, second- and fourth-place teams.
“Our goal is to make divisionals with a top six finish in conference,” Miller said. “With our talent it is doable. Florence is ridiculously good; they have an excellent feeder program.”
Starting catcher Brenna Garrison will bat third and anchor the defense with her powerful throwing arm. Four-year starter Caitlin Johnston will handle first base and Baylee Burk will again start at second.
Miller looks forward to watching sophomore outfielders Tana Thill and Cheyenne Jordan develop. A speedy duo, Thill and Jordan could help form an impressive defensive outfield.
The Lady Trojans open play Saturday in Plains.