Sports
Solid nucleus returns for MHS softball

Caleb Soptelean

Seven returning starters provide the Mustang softball team with hope for success this year.

The returning starters helped the Broncos to a 28-16 record last year. The team lost in the regional finals to Midwest City, which finished second at state.

Jerry Long takes over the helm from Tim Wade, a two-year head coach who gave up the post in part for personal reasons based upon his family. Wade remains an assistant coach. "It wasn't a major deal," he said.

Long said MHS has plenty of depth, but needs to get the most out of its ability.

Returning starters include: senior catcher Julie Laughlin, junior second baseman Heather McKinney, sophomore shortstop Tori Joyner, senior third baseman Jessica Noblett, senior outfielder Kelsey Newby, senior rightfielder Christina Wilson, and junior center fielder/pitcher Autumn Foley.

The Broncos have only to fill the first base position, and that spot likely will be taken by junior Rochelle Chrismon.

Three girls will see significant time on the pitching mound this year, including senior Jordan Noblett and freshmen Julie Brunk and Ashley Paxton.

Others on the team include: junior left fielder Jamie Thorpe, sophomore infielder/outfielder Whitney Baker, freshman catcher/outfielder Kylee Rounsaville, freshman pitcher/infielder/outfielder Aimee Creger, junior first baseman Samantha Rice and junior third baseman/first baseman Annie Cocherell.

Long said the conference is “pretty well rounded."

The Broncos played Edmond North Monday and Edmond Santa Fe Tuesday. They will play at Broken Arrow on Friday and Saturday, at Putnam City on Monday, and will host Putnam City North on Tuesday.