Lady Bulldogs head coach Nikki Herrin is in her third year at Wayne. Last season, her team finished with a 14-15 record after losing to Sentinel in the District tournament.

Three girls were lost to graduation in Faith Brazell, Jordynn Debaets and Ashley Hayles.

“We lost a lot of production when our seniors graduated. Faith really held it down for us,” Herrin said.

She praised the seniors’ time on the field but also as leaders in the dugout.

But, Herrin is also excited about newcomers and the ability to move girls around in different positions.

Freshman Maddie Moreno will see lots of time in the circle.

“Maddie has high softball IQ and will be a big asset for us.”

Moreno, when she’s not pitching, will be at third base as she works well with sophomore  short stop Taylen Ringwald.

“Taylen played well for us last year and she’ll be our short stop. She’ll also bat in the three hole,” Herrin said.

Fellow sophomores Audra Watts, Cylie Jones and Addison Clagg will also see the field quite a bit.

“Audra will move to left field for the most part. She might see some time in center too.  She’s one of our vocal leaders.

“Cylie had one of our highest batting averages last year, so we’ll like having her bat in the lineup. She will be an infielder for us.

“We had Addison in the circle for some of our scrimmages to get more pitching experience.”

According to Herrin, Clagg will mostly pitch in relief of Moreno.

Juniors Karsen Adams, Alyssa Hobson, Lily Whitaker and Ava Stottlemyre are also back for Wayne.

“Karsen hits the ball hard. When she gets a hold of one, she really gets a hold of it. Ideally, she will be our lead-off hitter,” Herrin said.

Adams will see most of her time behind the plate at catcher.

Hobson has played all over in her time at Wayne. Herrin appreciates the utility player’s ability to be plugged in wherever she’s needed.

“She’ll be out there somewhere. Mostly she’ll be at centerfield, but she will see time at catcher and possibly short stop.”

Whitaker will get time in right field and possibly first and third. Stottlemyre could see time in the circle.

Herrin has three seniors this year in Addison Keeler, Liz Bunner and Brysten Shephard.

“Addison is clutch at the plate. She gets on base and has great softball IQ. I’ll have her in the infield on defense,” Herrin said.

Bunner and Shephard were praised for their work ethic and good attitudes. Both seniors will see time in the infield – Shephard at first, and some right field, and Bunner at third and some catcher.

Herrin said she’s excited for the season and watch this year’s team come into their own.

“We have lots of room to grow. I wish we had more experience on the mound, but I know our potential on defense is high. Our wins and losses will depend on that,” Herrin said.

The Lady Bulldogs start their season Monday, August 12 hosting Fletcher.

“Fletcher is always quick on the bases and very aggressive. We will have to limit our own mistakes because they will take advantage.”

Herrin also mentioned their games with Konawa, Asher and Central this season.

“Those teams will give us some push back. They are all well-coached and compete at a high level.”

Herrin said she’s ready to get the season started and watch her girls grown and compete.