Lady Bombers confidence growing
Not all wins are equal. Just ask the Midwest City softball team.
A mid-season victory over defending state champion Mustang provided a jolt of confidence for the Lady Bombers last year. Standout pitcher Mikayla Poe returned from injury shortly after. And in a matter of weeks, the Lady Bombers transformed from a sub .500 squad to a dark horse in regionals.
While Midwest City came up short of the state tournament, the team is optimistic about this fall.
The strong finish last year and solid returning cast are turning the Lady Bombers into believers.
“After the Mustang game they started coming together and realizing what they can do,” said Amber Gorman, Midwest City head coach. “I’m excited about this year. I hope we can start out strong and finish strong.”
Midwest City will be led by a strong group of upperclassmen. Poe and Shayla Irving will alternate between pitching and first base, and fellow senior Kylie McCoy returns in left field. Gorman said Poe has grown into a leader this past year, while Irving and McCoy continue to improve on the field.
Ashlynn Williams is a three-year starter at catcher and the team’s top returning hitte
Midwest City’s softball team will be led by seniors
Shayla Iriving (Left), Mikayla Poe (Center) and Kylie
McCoy (Right). (Provided photo)
r. The junior will also see time at third base along with sophomore Ashley Stubble.
Sophomore Caleigh Stevenson is also back at shortstop after a big rookie season. Fellow sophomore Kyara Williams will slide over from third base to second base.
“They are both good fielders and it will give a quick middle infield,” Gorman said.
The Lady Bombers outfield will stay constant with McCoy in left and T’Aunna Jeffries in the centerfield. The final outfield spot is still up for grabs, with three players in the running.
Gorman said her team has made great strides both offensively and defensively.
“We can hit throughout the lineup and we’re doing a lot better than we did a couple years ago,” she said.
The Lady Bombers believe they can compete for a District 6A-2 championship and make a run at the state tournament. Mustang, Edmond North, Putnam City and Putnam City North should be their toughest opponents in district play.
“We have a lot of potential and with Mikayla Poe coming back we’ll be pretty solid,” said Ashlynn Williams. “I think we’ll get further this year.”
Midwest City opens its season on the road Aug. 9 against Enid. Their home opener is Aug. 11 against
Putnam City.
