Youthful Lady Trojans softball squad looking to improve on last season

Inexperienced, that’s one way to describe Troy’s Lady Trojans softball squad heading into the 2022 season. While seniors and juniors man key positions in the lineup, these upperclasswomen boast little playing time on the field.

“We have only one player that has played two out of the last three years,” said coach Keith Haggerty. “Everyone else has one year or less of field experience.”

Sixteen girls showed up for practice when softball kicked off on March 14. Two weeks later, that number is uncertain. Eligibility issues may take a toll on the roster and a few girls may be unavailable to play immediately owing to various conflicts. Starting pitcher Elaine Folkerts will miss the first three games of the season.

Still, the Lady Trojans hope to improve upon last year’s four wins.

“I expect our team to be more competitive this year against a field of very good teams,” Haggerty said. “It’s important that we improve both offensively and defensively as the season goes on.”

With eligibility issues still up in the air and Folkert’s absence, the lineup will change from game to game. The girls must adapt quickly to new roles and positions.

Haggerty is expecting big things from Alyssa Kelso, who plays first base. The senior brings leadership and is a consistent bat in the lineup, he said.

Alexie Garcie likewise boasts a lot of potential. The senior took to the softball diamond for the first time last year and is coming back as a catcher. She brings a power bat to the lineup, Haggerty said.

Haggerty described Folkerts as the “ace of the pitching staff” and consistent hitter. He also expects her to be a key utility player this season.

Jaylee Leighty plays third base, but will take on other roles this year. The junior’s hitting really picked up as the season waned last year, Haggerty said.

Junior Allie Carp played her first season of softball last year. She has a knack for hitting, said Haggerty. He expects Carp to alternate between the outfield and infield.

Angel Richards also joined the team last year. Haggerty plans to put her in the outfield as well as on second base. Richards, a junior, demonstrated a commitment to improvement last year, he said.

Richards also is likely to join the pitching staff this season.

Sophomore Casey Kanzler played in the outfield as a freshman, but can move to the infield in a pinch.

“We’re looking for a lot of hard hit balls and RBIs from Casey,” Haggerty said.

Kanzler is looking forward to the season.

“I think we’ll be a better hitting team this year,” she said.

While it’s too early to say how that will translate into play, Kanzler said the squad has made strides since last season.

“I really don’t know how we stack up against other teams, but I believe we’ve improved since last year,” she said.

The Lady Trojans will take to the diamond for their first outing against Libby on March 29.