Hard work paying off for Midwest City softball
Midwest City’s Kenee Thompson drives the ball during a game at Mustang last season. Photo by Jacob Sturm
By Jeff Harrison
Midwest City Beacon
Midwest City’s softball team has been putting in the work this offseason.
The Lady Bombers started new offseason workouts and took part in summer team camps and scrimmages.
“These girls have great attitudes and they’ve been working their butts off,” said coach Mark Judson. “I couldn’t ask for a better group.”
Judson is in his first year as head coach at Midwest City. He was an assistant last year and previously coached in McLoud for several years. Judson believes the team’s improvement over the offseason will make a difference this fall.
“I believe we can make some noise this year based on our schedule and the improvement they’ve made,” he said. “And once you get on a roll you never know what can happen.”
Midwest City will have several returning starters on the field this year.
Sophomore pitcher Noreli Brown is one of the top returners. She was the team’s primary pitcher last year as a freshman and has improved this offseason. Brown averaged eight strikeouts during summer scrimmages. She is also one of the best hitters.
Freshman Livi Davis will also see time in the circle.
Senior Karissa Payne will move from third to second base this year. She is a solid hitter and fielder.
That move allows Addy Scott to shift to shortstop after playing second base last year. She is one of the Lady Bombers’ top hitters and fielders.
“She has good range in the field and a great bat,” Judson said. “She hit over .400 last year and is on track to do even better this year.”
Senior Kore’Yana Matthews will start at third base after playing part time last year. Judson said he’s been impressed with her improvement over the offseason.
“She hits the ball hard and works hard to get better,” he said.
First baseman Kadynce Berry is another part time starter who worked her way into the lineup this year.
“We taught her to play first base and she’s done really well with it,” Judson said. “She’s another hard worker who has improved a lot over the summer.”
Davis and Amari Russell will fill two of the spots in the outfield. Russell has a great glove and good speed in the field. Davis will play center field and pitch.
The Lady Bombers kicked off their season Monday at McLoud. They hosted Millwood for a doubleheader on Tuesday and will travel to Putnam City North on Thursday.
