2017 saw a change in softball coaches for Orangefield. The Lady Bobcats once again made the playoffs and won a first-round series under Rebekah Ragsdale in her first year at the helm.
This year Coach Ragsdale has many of the girls back from that strong group of Lady Bobcats. Only one senior graduated last year. Four seniors Kaylee Ancelot in the circle, Autumn Frost at shortstop, Kinlee Gipson at first base, and Kristin Broussard in the outfield will lead the Lady Bobcats.
Karlye Bramblett was all-district at second base as a sophomore last season and has been very strong in scrimmages this year. Alyssa Dodd will return at third base. Tiffany Ciancglione a catcher last season will be moved most likely to the outfield for this year. Faith Fregia will also be in the outfield for the Lady Bobcats. Junior Victoria Welch will be used as a frequent pinch runner on the bases.
There will be some young ladies coming up to the varsity. Five freshmen will form the core of the Orangefield softball program in the years to come according to Ragsdale. Emma Humplik will see a lot of time catching for the Lady Bobcats. Codie Sorge is a pitcher showing a lot of promise. Ryden Stanfield is a standout utility player. Olivia Grant and Heather Mineer should both see playing time. Ragsdale praised, “We’re excited about these young kids that are going to give our upper classmen a run for their money.”
Ragsdale is confident the Lady Bobcats will be better offensively this season than during her first year. The four seniors should swing the biggest bats for Orangefield. Freshman Humplik has been batting leadoff in scrimmages and has found her way on base quite a bit. The Lady Bobcats struggled some scoring runs last season. The addition of sister Sara Ragsdale to the coaching staff is hoped to improve Orangefield’s ability to score more runs. “Maybe not necessarily just through hitting, but bunting, stealing, moving runners around we just have to find a way to produce those runs,” Ragsdale added.
Pitching is always a key in softball, and Coach Ragsdale is blessed to have her ace back and two very good backups. Some softball teams try to run with one girl in the circle, but the coach believes that does not always work especially in a competitive district like 22-4A. Orangefield has the luxury of three quality pitchers to use against opponents. Ragsdale stated, “We have three actually that I would feel comfortable throwing with Kaylee Ancelot, Codie Sorge, and Olivia Grant.”
Orangefield competes in a very tough district. Ragsdale is excited to see how her Lady Bobcats will do this year. The number one goal is winning a district championship. She makes sure the girls are giving championship effort day-in and day-out.
A district title will be a real challenge with most of the teams returning so many players including a number of outstanding pitchers. “Everybody is going to be stronger from a year ago, but I believe we will be too so when it comes to the middle of March I believe we will be ready and we’re definitely seeking a district championship,” Ragsdale concluded.
-Dan Perrine, KOGT-
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