Young Lady Tiger team is hungry to get the team back to the national tourney

Last season, Cowley went 39-14 and finished as the Jayhawk Conference Eastern Division champs. Named KJCCC Coach of the Year for the third time in her career, Jenny Hoyt led the Tigers to a conference crown for the second time in the past three years.

Highlighting the players who have moved on from last season is All-American pitcher Mikah Vann, who was named the conference's Most Valuable Player and Pitcher of the Year. The left-hander went 22-7 with a 2.19 earned run average. She struck out 186 batters in 176 innings pitched.

Madison Baker, a returning two-way player from Wellington, is someone the coaching staff expects to take over as one of the top pitchers in the circle and throw a lot of innings. Freshmen pitchers on the team are Hannah Howard, Lauren Howerton, and Dacey Morris.

"At the beginning of the season, we will need to see who will be our primary pitchers," Hoyt said. "Dacey had a great fall season and could pitch a lot of innings for us. Lauren offers a different pitching style, while Hannah Howard and Kylie Cartwright could also see time in the circle."

Aubrie Martinez is a transfer from Sterling College who brings a fierce mindset behind the plate. She will be joined at catcher by freshman Norah Macken from Elkhorn, NE, who was named a USA Softball Gold Nationals All-American.

"We will be new behind the plate, but both Aubrie and Norah have shown they can get the job done back there," Hoyt said. "If one is not catching, the other one could be in the field as they both provide a good bat to the lineup."

Other freshmen are Taylor Clay, Camrea Riley, Kiki Warner, Kylie Cartwright, Hailee Scarborough, and Carsen Carpenter.

"We have a big freshman class that is athletic and versatile," Hoyt said. "Hannah Howard, Kiki Warner, and Carsen Carpenter all did well in the fall."

Returning to lead the Tigers is sophomore infielder Taverli Tennant, who was the conference's Newcomer of the Year and a Third Team All-American. She led the Lady Tigers in nearly every offensive category by batting .471 with 16 home runs and 76 runs batted in. She added 24 doubles, five triples, and 18 stolen bases.

"She continues to improve and grows every day at practice," Hoyt said. "She just has an instinct for the game and can provide a lot for the team."

Other returning players are Breanna Curry (.303 average, 20 stolen bases), Gracy Smith (.241 average, 21 RBI), and Ashlee McDorman, a former team manager, who joins the squad and will attempt to contribute in the outfield.

"We will count on our sophomores to be leaders for us," Hoyt said. "They all need to commit to each other and to helping the freshmen grow."

Cowley will open the season at the Denison Tourney in Denison, TX. They will also participate in non-conference contests at the Murray State Round Robin and the Branson (MO) Tourney.

"It will be tough out of the gate, but we hope that will help us at the end," Hoyt said. "We want to take a step above from where we finished last year, and the end goal is always qualifying for the national tournament. But, ultimately, we want to get better every day and grow up fast."