North Union’s varsity softball team is pictured from left, front row, Josie Duncan, Madison Amstutz, Kennedy Ruhl, Madison Wedding, Kallie Price and Destiny Reebel; second row, Kylie Stokes, Abby Davis, Regan Martino, Laney Converse and Bethany Sheridan; third row, head coach Dawn Draper, assistant coach Terry Setser, Tarryn Brill, Kori Marvin, Avery Clark, Maddison Ruhl and assistant coach Steve Allen.
(Photo submitted)
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With a tradition of winning for the Lady Cats of North Union softball team, this year will be no different other than the return of several faces.
The Lady Cats will welcome back Madison Wedding. She suffered an elbow injury that required surgery and rehabilitation that caused her to miss the entire 2017 season.
The return of the All-Ohio pitcher will be a nice addition to the already pitching-heavy squad. Wedding was one of the key players that helped the 2015 Lady Cats team to the state semifinalsm according to NU softball coach Dawn Draper.
“We now have Madison back from the elbow injury and surgery,” she said. “It will be nice to see her on the mound again for a nice lefty look. Her pitching and leadership and her injury last year was very costly to our pitching and defensive rotations. Having her back gives us our defensive look we were lacking all last year.”
Another face who will be returning to field will be Avery Clark. Clark was able to make if through the first half of the 2017 season before suffering an injury that sidelined her.
Even with a shortened season, the power hitter was able to reocrd the second-highest batting average in the league (.596), finishing only behind fellow teammate Abby Davis (.629).
“Having her back on the field for that team leadership and power in the line-up will provide a strength to our season offensively and defensively,” Draper said.
The last face to return to the ball field will be Bethany Sheridan. She suffered an injury that prevented her from playing her junior season.
Sheridan will add another arm to the circle upon which Draper can call.
The Lady Cats will have a strong core of pitchers coming from the arms of Sheridan, Wedding, Josie Duncan and Madison Amstutz.
Draper said pitching will be the real strength of this year’s team.
“All (of them) are very strong at the mound and have lots of experience,” she said.
The pitching rotation will also be supported by many returning letter winners. Davis has returned to play outfield, along with Kori Marvin and Kallie Price.
Destiny Reebel has returned this year. She earned her letter coming off the bench for the injured Clark, where she made an impact during the Lady Cats’ tournament run.
Draper said this year’s crew is very goal-driven, adding, “That is what makes them winners.
“We know what it take to win,” she said. “We have tasted victories and success with these seniors and they want MOAC, district, regional and state titles more than ever.”
The Lady Cats will first have to take on the new additions to the Mid Ohio Athletic Conference in Clear Fork and Ontario.
It won’t, however, be the first time Draper has squared off against one the newcomers.
“We have played Clear Fork before at the Wendy’s Classic in 2016 and we know they are well-coached and talented,” she said.
The other MOAC concern for the Lady Cats resides in Marion County at River Valley.
Both teams shared the MOAC title last year with 10-2 league records.
Draper has a very simple philosophy to keeping the games and opponent swithin reach.
“We take each pitch one at a time and want to win every inning we play this season.”