Coach: ALBIS RAMOS 

OUTLOOK 

The number 7 will be the lucky number for the Wolverines’ fastpitch season as the Purple and Gold return seven players from last year’s team. “We’re returning three infielders plus three outfielders and one pitcher to anchor this year’s team,” said head coach Albis Ramos, “along with a mix of sophomores and freshmen that understand the game.” Ramos pointed to his lineup card and circled the name of Maci Smith (SS, Sr.) as leader of the group while confirming performance numbers that include a .442 batting average and 25 runs batted in. “Maci will be a four-year starter and definitely a key part of the middle defense at shortstop. She’s the lone senior in this year’s lineup.”

Joining the execution of consistent play up the middle will be Lakaila Drew (2B, Jr.) who totaled 18 RBIs while maintaining a .394 batting average. “She does a great job at second base and gets us going at the plate as our leadoff hitter,” commented the Vian skipper. Another veteran in the Vian roster is Maisie Wells (3B, Jr.) who posted a .465 batting average and 29 RBI in 2021. “Maisie has started the last two years,” replied Ramos. “She handles the hot corner with confidence and I expect her to build on the good season she had as a sophomore.”

After spending the bulk of her time as a starter in the outfield, Ramos will hand the pitching duties to Kala Gibbins (P, OF, So.) this fall. “She completed 36 innings in the circle as a freshman and chalked up 22 strike outs in addition to playing in left field on an everyday basis.” Paydon Sovo (OF, Jr.) and Skylar Locust (OF, Jr.) give Vian athleticism and defensive skills in the outfield along with Rebel Simon (OF, So.) who drew three starts after providing multiple game changing efforts as a freshman last season. Akeelah Truett (1B, Jr.), Jocalyn Giblert (OF, Jr.) and Kalli Jo Kennedy (OF, So.) add game time experience and will be joined by freshmen Halli Russell (IF, OF), Ayden Crittenden (OF, IF, C), Rayleigh Terrill (1B, OF), Aubree Craighead (1B, OF), Scarlett Fields (OF, IF) and Carmen Routenberg (OF).

“It’s a good mix of experienced players along with a good group of freshmen that collectively will give us depth this year,” Ramos said. “They’re good girls that know that winning requires hard work and commitment to the team.”