Laying the groundwork: Sikeston sets path for success

SIKESTON —The Sikeston softball team enters a transformative season with a new leader at the helm.

First-year head coach Alli Conder is determined to mold a team identity, foster a positive culture and lay the groundwork for future success.

As the players hit the field, they carry the weight of building a stronger foundation for the program, under the watchful guidance of their passionate leader.

Sikeston's Chloe Hamby throws a pitch during a practice on Monday, August 21, 2023. (Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat).

“I want this team to have an identity and culture that promotes working for and respecting each other,” Conder said. “I want to be able to create a foundation that we can build off for years to come.”

Conder highlighted the team’s progress during the summer, stating, “In June, our main focus was on strength and conditioning, and I am proud of the girls’ dedication and hard work in the gym. During July, we shifted our attention to on-field practices, allowing me to assess the players and gain insights into the areas that require improvement before the season begins.”

The Lady Bulldogs boat a dynamic group of leaders heading into the upcoming season. Seniors Bailey Brown and Abby DeShaney are set to make a significant impact both on and off the field.

Sikeston softball coach Alli Conder shows a player how to properly grip the bat during a practice on Monday, August 21, 2023. (Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat).

Known for their vocal presence and strong work ethic, they also excel in fostering a positive environment for the underclassmen.

Looking back at the previous season, Brown showcased her abilities at the plate, finishing with a .224 batting average. She contributed 13 hits, six RBIs, and scored seven runs while displaying her speed with eight stolen bases.

Taking the mound as the team’s number one pitcher, junior Chloe Hamby is poised to deliver a significant number of innings and showcase her strengths. Last year, she threw 41.1 innings, amassing an ERa of 9.49 and striking out 37 batters.

A Sikeston softball player sprints into home plate during a practice on Monday, August 21, 2023. (Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat).

At the plate, she had a .196 batting average with 11 hits, two RBIs, scored eight runs and stole two bases.

As the new season approaches, Hamby is determined to build upon her past performances and play a pivotal role in the team’s success both as a pitcher and a hitter.

Junior Dakota Thompson will anchor the team’s defense as the starting third baseman while also exhibiting her pitching skills as a strong number two option.

Thompson returns as the team’s leader in several offensive categories from last season, including batting average (.426), hits (30), runs scored (26) and stolen bases (14).

Her all-around contributions make her a key player to watch this season.

“[Hamby and Thompson] are very coachable and understand the right way to play the game,” Conder said.

Sophomore Cambree Scott will be the team’s starting catcher, bringing endurance and skill behind the plate. Last season, Scott recorded a .242 batting average with 16 hits, eight RBIs, 12 runs scored and nine stolen bases.

Senior Ashley Ivie will assume the role of shortstop, while senior Zoe Evans will hold down second base.

Ivie batted .231 last year with three hits, a RBI, seven runs scored and two stolen bases.

Junior Lilly Robbins will take charge as the team’s right fielder and freshman Alexa Lee will make her presence felt in left field, adding a new dimension to the team’s lineup.

“I feel that we have a strong starting nine,” Conder said. “I am confident in our backup players that any of them can step into a game and contribute to the team. I want this team to be known as a team that works hard for each other and does the little things right. I think if we work for each other and do the basic things well, we will be successful this season.”

The Lady Bulldogs roster is filled with experienced leaders, which is expected to greatly benefit the team throughout the season.

“That is something that will prove to be beneficial throughout the season,” Conder said. “A lot of the upperclassmen are also very positive and are great at coaching up the underclassmen, which will be helpful.”

Conder expressed confidence in the team’s offense while acknowledging areas of improvement on defense. She emphasizes that these defensive challenges primarily involve small details that the team has been diligently addressing during practice.

“I expect to be competitive this season and to win a lot of games,” Conder concluded. “We are going to be able to score a lot of runs and I think that our defense will continue to improve.”

Sikeston opened the season on Saturday, August 26, at the Chaffee Round Robin Tournament.

__Full Schedule__

8/29 Naylor 4:30 p.m.

8/31 Poplar Bluff 4:30 p.m.

9/5 at Perryville 4:30 p.m.

9/6 Saxony Lutheran 4:30 p.m.

9/11 Twin Rivers 4:30 p.m.

9/12 at Cape Central 4:30 p.m.

9/18 at Notre Dame 4:30 p.m.

9/19 at Neelyville 4:30 p.m.

9/21 at Chaffee 4:30 p.m.

9/23 at Doniphan Tournament TBD

9/25 Jackson 4:30 p.m.

9/26 at Fredericktown 4:30 p.m.

9/28 Kelly 4:30 p.m.

9/29 Doniphan 4:30 p.m.

10/2 North County 4:30 p.m.

10/3 at East Carter 4:30 p.m.

10/4 at Farmington 4:30 p.m.

10/10-14 District Tournament TBD