Purcell opens the 2024 fast-pitch softball campaign Monday with a home game against Bridge Creek with lofty goals in mind.

The first pitch for the Class 4A powerhouse is set for 5 p.m.

This edition of Dragon softball features experience, speed, power and outstanding pitching

“We will have power up and down the lineup,” confirms head coach Sarah Jones, who begins her 11th season at the helm of the Dragons.

“We will have speed up and down the lineup,” the coach continues. “And our defense could be one of the best in the state.

“We have everything we need from hitting to pitching to defense,” Jones said.

The only downside to having all the parts for a successful season and a deep run into the playoffs, the coach says, “is that we will have a target on our backs because we are the team to beat.”

“We need to stay humble even in peaks and valleys and do our job,” Jones said of her squad that is coming off a 29-10 campaign last season.

“Senior leadership is going to be the key to our success,” she admits. “Each one has a different personality they can bring. They are able to bring different perspectives and motivation day in and day out.”

Jones was speaking about her outstanding senior class of Hadleigh Harp,  Anika  Raper, Kenna Esparza, Brynley Jennings, Hannah Whitaker and Ella Resendiz.

Juniors KK Vaszquez and Mack McKay are also team leaders, Jones confirms.

“They are a duo that are already getting leadership experience and do a great job leading by example,” Jones said.

The ‘24 Dragons will have a complete pitching staff.

“We will have a full staff this year,” Jones said.

Two freshmen dot the roster including Kendra Anderson and Maica Martinez, a sophomore transfer from Noble in Ava Sparks to go with veteran senior hurlers Whitaker and Resendiz.

“Each one brings something different on the mound,” Jones confirmed. “Everyone will be able to get a lot of innings. It will be good to get underclassmen a lot of playing time and get used to the atmosphere of high school softball,” the coach said.

“Jasey Baker is ready to take on her sophomore year,” Jones confirms. “She had a great freshman year and is ready to take on whatever role she faces.”

The coach is excited for her freshman and newcomer Ava Sparks and frosh Kendra Anderson, Kami Rendon, Maica Martinez, Chloe Morrow, Alexis Jurado and Kamdyn Stokes.

“They are coming into a team that is able to show them exactly what Purcell softball is all about and will all contribute in their own way,” Jones said.

“Main thing to work on is staying within ourselves,” she continued. “We start off really quick. We need to stay healthy knowing each trip is a business trip. There are no off-days. We need to find ways for the girls to get breaks (from being on the field) when they can to stay healthy to be ready to go the next day.

“We need to stay even keel and worry about ourselves and nobody else,” the coach confirmed.

When the Dragons hit the field McKay will be the main catcher but Jones said Resendiz will see some time behind the dish.

The infield will be manned by Whitaker, McKay, Jennings, Vazquez, Resendiz, Martinez, Stokes, Sparks and Anderson.

Roaming in the outfield will be Harp, Esparza, Raper, Baker, Rendon, Marlow and Jurado.

“We have lot of versatility,” the coach said. “We have multiple people that can play multiple positions.

“I’m really excited for this senior class to have the season that they’ve waited four years for,” she said.

The Dragons have welcomed a new assistant coach to the staff in Mark Maral.

“He comes with a wealth of knowledge,” Jones said. “Our junior high program under Stephanie Knowles and Joe Franco is taking on a talented group.

“Overall the Purcell softball programs are going to make the fans proud of this season.”

Dragon notes:

Head coach Sarah Jones is 205-140 in 11 seasons as the Purcell Head Coach.

The coach had high praise for  the work of junior manager Emma Renfro.

“She’s the one that keeps me in line and organized. Every team needs an Emma,” the coach said.