STIGLER PANTHERS
Coach: Adam Engle
Coming off a class 4A district championship and returning eight of nine starters, there’s more than just a little excitement for the Lady Panthers as the 2023 season begins.
“We will have a tough lineup that can put the ball in play with the bat,” confirmed head coach Adam Engle. “Add to that a solid defense, and we’re looking forward to an exciting season.”
The strength of the Stigler defense will once again be up the middle, starting behind the plate with Dally Engle (C/UTIL, Jr.) returning at catcher where she was chosen as the All-District Player of the Year in 2022 when she made the best of her trips to the plate with .474 batting average and .833 slugging percentage including eight home runs, driving in 25 RBI as well as proving her arm prowess with a recorded 1.79 pop time to earn the respect as one of the best defensive catchers in the state. On the top of the defensive ladder, Madi Jones (OF, Sr.), a three-year starter uses her athleticism and speed to close the gaps in centerfield earning All-District honors and adds to the offensive production posting a .355 average with 21 RBI last year. Gentry Powell (2B, Sr.) and Jordan Johnson (SS, Jr.) return to solidify the middle defense with range and consistency. On the corners, coach Engle will once again rely upon the reactions of Caitlin Lovett (3B/OF, Jr.) on the hot corner at third base who also delivered in the clutch driving in 34 RBI with a .345 batting average and the immediate contributions of freshman Keeli Adams (1B/UTIL, Fr.) and veteran Hiahni Howard (1B, Sr.) on the right side of the dirt at first base. Two-year stater Rilee Williams (OF/1B, Jr.) who produced a .317 average at the plate and sophomore Payton Mecom will protect the outfield lines defensively.
Confidence in the circle will once again be an advantage for Stigler as Cambri Cook (P, Jr.) returns as the pitcher where she consistently hit her spots to finish the 2022 season with a 16-6 mark magnified by recording 149 strikeouts of opposing hitters. Kayelynn Goff (Sr.) will give coach Engle another effective pitching option on the bump.
The depth of this year’s roster is a plus where the Panthers will look for key contributions from outfielders Kenadee Spradly (Jr.), Kinsey Miller (So.), Rylee Thomas (Fr.), Kelee Curson (Fr.), Brailee Mayhall (Fr.) and Brinley Wilson (Fr.) as well as from catcher Nolee Blanchett (Fr.) and shortstop Lexi Good (Fr.).
With offensive explosiveness and a smothering defense, Stigler appears ready to write a special chapter of the school’s softball history.
