Lady Eagles Softball Aim To Return To District Championship Glory

Coach Ashley Crump strives to lead the Lady Eagles softball team to a district win.

By Wyatt Hardy

With a mix of rising stars and players reaching their prime, the Lady Eagles softball team are hoping to secure a district championship win this season after falling short the previous year.

In 2022, head coach Ashley Crump led the team to a 20-13 record, consistently holding them to high standards in every match. The Lady Eagles had set their sights on making state again in the 2022 season but fell short at districts against Blair Oaks. In 2021, they clinched their 14th consecutive district championship and finished third at the state level. They were last state champions during the remarkable 2020 season.

Seniors like Kayla Ulrich, Jaedin Blankenship, Alexis Funkhouser, Grace Halmick and Hannah Campbell have graduated. Sullivan must now adjust to the absence of these seniors and rely on their starting talent to fill these voids.

Returning starters include utility player Hayli Venable, first baseman Morgan Braun, pitcher/infielder Evvie Blankenship, catcher Dorie Richardson, pitcher/outfielder Ava Declue and utility player Molly Lohden.

“Venable is going to be a really solid defensive player this year on the infield,” Crump stated. In 2022, she had 98 plate appearances, 17 RBIs, 24 runs and 82 at-bats. Venable is a quick, valuable asset capable of shutting down runners on the diamond.

Braun, who previously played in the outfield, will have the opportunity to take over at first base which was originally held by Funkhouser.

Blankenship will be the primary pitcher for Sullivan. Last year, she played in a total of 28 games and recorded 156 strikeouts. She is a powerful batter and consistently hits home runs.

Blankenship will be throwing to her cousin, Richardson, who previously recorded a team-high of 196 outs and 179 putouts. Crump said that Richardson “continues to just be a spark plug for everybody on the team. She’s a phenomenal player, but she’s an even better teammate, which are great thing you can say about a kid, you know so great.” She hypes up the dugout in practices and games, leading the charge and motivating her team to always improve every step of the way.

Declue, who plays in the mound and outfield, has displayed great potential in the off-season and will have an increased field presence next season. “She’s probably going to play a lot more innings this year than she did last year too, so it’s exciting; I’m excited for Ava. She’s really worked hard and she’s come into this season really strong,” Crump exclaimed. In summer practices, she has gained confidence and is finding her place as an all-star.

Lohden plans to make a comeback this season after recovering from an injury. She is one of the most energetic Lady Eagles and knows how to lift the spirits in the dugout.

Among the rising stars, freshman midfielder Rae Corwin is expected to step into the shoes of Ulrich, who played shortstop last year. “She comes in with a lot of experience and a high work ethic and she wants to do the job,” Crump explained. “She’s the type of kid all week long that is trying to keep up with Dorie Richardson and break all her workout records. Rae wants to be the first one done. So, she really came in and embodies a Sullivan softball player.”

Other up-and-coming players who may see some varsity action include midfielder Mckynlee Peterson, pitcher Mia Pridemore, catcher Carli McCreary and first baseman/catcher Evelynn Harris. Crump believes that this will be their season to shine.

Before school started, the Lady Eagles began their practices at 5:30 or 6 a.m., lasting until 8. The training is tough, as the coaches push the players to their fullest potential. After their devastating defeat at districts, Sullivan is determined not to face the same outcome.

“If you lose districts, you’re done and your season’s over. One of the benefits of winning districts is not to say you’re the champion, but it’s that you get another day to be with your teammates, you get another day to make memories.” Crump said. “The big thing is if you want to extend your time with your friends on the field and if you want to extend your time with your teammates, then you have to earn it and that means you have to win.”

The Lady Eagles aspire to make a deep postseason run, win districts and return back to state. They believe that through perseverance, training and a strong work ethic, anything is possible.

Sullivan’s regular season begins on Friday, Aug. 25 at the Peoples Bank Back to School Classic at the Campbell-Chapman Sports Complex. Sullivan will face Linn at 10 a.m., Washington at 11:45 a.m. and Windsor at 3:15 p.m.