It’s been a tough few seasons for Hesperia softball, which couldn’t muster a win last year and had only two victories the year before. However, coach Rick Martin believes this year’s team “has shown great growth and commitment” and could spark a turnaround in the Panthers’ fortunes.
It’s a young roster, with freshmen Gabby Tanner and Madesyn Bolles jumping right into key spots in the lineup. Tanner is the team’s top pitcher to start the season and will form a duo with returning junior Sarissa Conkle. Bolles, meanwhile, will start at shortstop and occupy the No. 3 spot in the batting order.
However, there is some experience on hand as well. In addition to Conkle, veteran returnees include Jeri Ward at catcher, Olivia McGahan as a utility player and Olivia Gerard in center field, where she’ll move from third base. Eliana Sanker, a junior, will take over at third base after playing first base on the JV.
“Every player on our roster has set a goal of putting in the time and hard work to be the ones to make people proud of Hesperia softball again,” Martin said. “I believe in this group. They have shown myself and the coaching staff that they are tired of being that team everyone wants to play for the easy wins.”
The Panthers, like Hart and Shelby, will have to grapple with power programs Holton and Ravenna in the West Michigan Conference Rivers, but Martin is hopeful his team can score some conference wins. Hesperia will face a county foe, Pentwater, in non-league play, as well as local rival Fremont and Mason County Eastern.
Martin said the key to success for his team will be to put the ball over the plate when pitching. If the Panther defense is allowed to do the job, he believes they are capable.
“We are looking forward to taking the first steps of a new chapter in Panther softball,” Martin said.
