East Prairie Lady Eagles stacked lineup ready to do some damage

East Prairie softball is starting the season with some high expectations.

The Lady Eagles have a talented roster that features at least two future college players in seniors Kennedy Cogdill and Tori Stinnett.

“The team is looking forward to getting the season started and having everyone back and healthy to compete to our fullest ability,” said East Prairie coach Jade Marcum. “We are praying for an injury-free season and the chance for each of our players to fully show what they are capable of individually and as a team.”

East Prairie's Katie Brewer hits the ball during a softball against Malden, Friday, April 30, 2021, at H.A. Jones Memorial Park, in East Prairie, Missouri. (Alex Wallner/Standard Democrat)Alex Wallner

Cogdill is committed to Missouri State-West Plains, while Stinnett is slated to continue her career at Three Rivers College. East Prairie will rely heavily on the leadership of the duo this season.

Cogdill played in just five games last season before her season was cut short due to a car accident. She batted .267 with four hits, three RBIs and five runs scored in those games.

“She will have a huge impact on the team,” Marcum said. “Having her junior year season cut short robbed her of postseason awards other than earning Academic All-State honors.

Riley Wilson throws a strike during East Prairie's four-inning 16-1 win over Charleston on Wednesday, April 27, at H. A. Jones Park in East Prairie, Mo. (Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat)

“She brings speed to the game, as well as strong performance in the circle and fielding skills to match,” Marcum continued. “[Cogdill] is a leader who pushes everyone around her. She has overcome so much at her age and it is truly an inspiration to us all.”

Stinnett finished her junior season with a .698 batting average with 14 doubles, four triples and four home runs. She also had 33 RBIs, 12 stolen bases and scored 30 runs.

She earns all-district, all-region and Academic All-State honors.

East Prairie assistant coach Madelyn Branam and Kennedy Cogdill fist-bump before an at-bat during a softball against Malden, Friday, April 30, 2021, at H.A. Jones Memorial Park, in East Prairie, Missouri. (Alex Wallner/Standard Democrat)Alex Wallner

“[Stinnett] put up great numbers,” Marcum said. “She brings all-around abilities with a strong bat, big numbers, lots of hard hits, incredible fielding skills as well as power in the circle. [Stinnett] is constantly working to improve with countless hours of practice on her own time, and is by far one of the most dedicated athletes to come through our program. She is a great leader and an asset to the team.”

Katie Brewer is another gifted athlete that will provide the team with some senior leadership. She earned all-district, all-conference, all-region and Academic All-State honors last season after finishing with a .467 average, 28 hits, 13 RBIs and 26 runs scored.

“She has such a strong presence behind the plate and stepped up to take that position over,” Marcum said. “We try to free her up and put her in the field any chance we can because of her strong athletic fielding abilities.”

Junior Alison Miller is also back after being selected as second-team all-district and Academic All-State last year. She finished the season with a .255 average, 14 hits, five RBIs and 25 runs scored.

“Miller has been another speed catalyst for us and has amazing coverage in the outfield,” Marcum said. “That speed translates to the base paths as well.”

Sophomore Riley Wilson returns to the circle and gives the Lady Eagles’ lineup stability. She earned second-team all-district last season.

“We relied heavily on her last season as a freshman and she stepped up and did anything that was asked of her with a great attitude,” Marcum said. “It was exactly the breath of fresh air that the team needed.”

Sophomore Chloe Jackson is the team’s final returner. She is back after earning all-district and all-conference honors. Jackson batted .380 with 19 hits including two home runs, 24 RBIs and 20 runs scored.

“Chloe Jackson will be returning to the plate with power this season,” Marcum said. “She is someone we enjoyed watching come into her own as a freshman and lock down the third base position.”

Freshmen Addi Aters and Ella Dunn are also expected to make a big impact this year.

“Aters is going to contribute in a major way for the Lady Eagles,” Marcum said. “It's been said recently that she is our ‘swiss army knife’ because she can play every position on the field. Aters will be on the field, you just never know where you will see her. She has a ton of power and will be a force on offense too. She is one to watch in the coming years.

“Dunn brings another element of speed to our team,” Marcum said. “She is very coachable and eager to learn. She will more than likely start in the outfield to ensure that the ground is covered, but she also can play infield. She has come in with ease and is another awesome piece to complete the puzzle we've been striving to make whole for the last several seasons.”

East Prairie’s season got off to a rough start with a 13-2 loss to Kennett (1-0) on Monday, March 20.

The Lady Eagles (0-1) will travel to Puxico (0-0) on Tuesday, March 21.

“We fully expect to have a winning season and advance into districts,” Marcum said. “On defense, we preach fundamentals, knowing your next move, and executing the play. Offensively the goal is to do damage, hit the ball hard somewhere to put it in play, and move runners. Pretty straightforward, and we have all the pieces to do so as long as everyone stays healthy. We have waited several years to finally have all the pieces put together and feel that this season is it.”