New Players, New Season, Same Tradition
Head Coach Ashley Crump is excited for the upcoming softball season. In the 2021 season, the ladies secured their 14th straight district championship after the defeat of Owensville, 10-3. Sullivan has qualified for six final fours. Lady Eagles have finished third or better in each of the last four seasons, placing third twice before in 2011 and 2018. They were runner ups in 2003, 2016 and 2019.
Last season, Sullivan lost their first game at State, but defeated Perryville to finish third place in the championship tournament. Evvie Blankenship pitched all seven innings to record the shutout. She had a staggering six strikeouts to help secure the win. Senior Riley Branson scored a damaging double on the game and Sophia Weirich smashed a big home run in the final game of the 2021 season.
The Lady Eagles are welcoming eight new freshmen players to their team.
“They are starting to show their personalities a little at a time,” said Coach Crump about the newest members. “It should be a very fun season.”
Coach Crump is very positive about the upcoming season with plans to win their 15th straight district championship.
“Practices have been off to a great start,” exclaimed Coach Crump. “The energy that our returning players have is contagious. There are a lot of different types of leaders on this team. They have been really good with teaching our freshmen how we do things. It can be a bit overwhelming the first week, so they are doing their best to make everyone feel comfortable.”
There are a lot of strengths already in the team this season.
“We can really see who has been lifting weights and getting stronger; it is showing through in their hitting and throwing,” Coach Crump continued. “Our defense has been really fun to watch as well. We have several utility players and it will be fun to mix them around this season. Our overall leadership and the drive to work hard is top on the list right now as well. Working on defensive combinations will be our priority this week. Several things can change depending on who is on the mound.”
The Lady Eagles have kept the same tradition and expectations every year, and it has been paying off.
“Our expectations never really change,” said Coach Crump. “Be great teammates, work hard, don’t hold yourself back and extend the season as long as we can. We enjoy being around each other and want to play on the last day allowable.”
This laid back attitude has worked to their advantage for the last few seasons. Sullivan is no stranger to keeping it light in practice and bringing that same positive energy into their games. The Lady Eagles aren’t scared and look at every opponent the same.
“We believe any team can be a big team,” Coach Crump continued. “It doesn’t matter if your record is 5-15 going into districts. When it’s a one-and-done format, anything can happen.”
The fans are excited and ready to see another fantastic and sometimes roller coaster season. The Lady Eagles have standout players returning and some new faces that are sure to have an outstanding role.
“All of my returning starters are standing out right now,” Coach Crump said. “We know who the big hitters are and where our speed is. Sophomore Dorie Richardson is bringing a fire to any position she will be put in. I expect to see junior Morgan Braun make a difference for this season, especially at the plate. We are hoping for senior Grace Halmick and sophomore Ava Declue to jump into the pitching mix with Jaedin Blankenship, Evvie Blankenship, and Molly Lohden. Newcomer freshman Carli McCreary will get her chance to show us what she's made of at the Jamboree and Peoples Bank Tournament. We are really excited to be back together and get the season started.”
The Jamborees for softball and football will be this Friday evening. The Back to School Peoples Bank Classic starts on the following weekend.