ARCHBOLD WEATHER

Six Return For PHS Softball




Kendra Stahl has spent the last nine years at the helm of the Pettisville softball program, which is scheduled to open its season, Thursday, March 29, in a Buckeye Border Conference contest with North Central at Pettisville.

She has compiled a 98-70 overall record and finished last season 8-14, 4-6 BBC.

The Birds lost two four-year letterwinners to graduation: Andrea Flory (outfield, Second Team All-BBC) and Sydney Purtee (catcher, Honorable Mention All- BBC).

But Stahl said that pitching will be a team strength this year.

Back are three seniors: Kyra Behnfeldt (pitcher, First Team All-BBC, 7-12 record, 122.1 innings pitched, 108 strikeouts, 4.75 earned run average, .370 batting average, 27 hits), Sami Tilley (shortstop, Second Team All- BBC, .388 BA, nine runs batted in), and Brittney Sauder (third base, .194 BA).

Her returning junior is Starr Kessinger (outfield, 19 RBIs).

Sophomores back are Mackenzie Morgan (pitcher/ utility, Second Team ALLBBC, .361 BA, seven RBIs), and Lexi Sauder (first base, .200 BA).

“Pitching experience is a strength this season,” said Stahl. “Kyra is a four-year veteran on the mound. She understands the game very well and will do a great job for us this season.

“Senior leadership is another strength. We have three seniors that know the game well and are very competitive.

“Kyra, Sami, and Britt work well together and I expect them to be great examples for the team through the season.

“Incoming freshmen have the potential to fit in right away at the varsity level. They have the capability to fill the positions of what we lost from last season.”

As far as weaknesses, “We are a small, young, and inexperienced group this season,” said Stahl. Many girls will be playing new or different positions.

“There will be players in positions that they have never played before or have been limited to. But I expect them to accept the challenge and have the willingness to fill those roles.

“With a young and experienced team, I expect us to progressively improve each day and compete in every game.

“We want to be a solid team to contend with.”

Stahl said the BBC will continue to be a competitive conference. She looks for Hilltop, North Central, and Montpelier to be strong.

Assisting with coaching duties are Kayla Bruner and Lexie King.



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