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Varsity — Front from left: Elena Turner, Abby Meyer, Hayden Francis, Brittany Granger. Second from left: LaTaylah Perez, Taylor Rowley, Wylie Glover, Ashley Thorne. Back from left: Coach Corey Jones, Kaylee Burnett, Ashlyn Jacobs, assistant coach Kyrie Edwards.

Softball team ready for more
By Chris Strunk
Last Updated: March 31, 2016

Last season, Corey Jones said his Valley Center High School softball team would have some growing pains. That led to the Class 5A state tournament.

This year, it's a mature and experienced squad ready to make another run and possibly get deeper in the tournament.

"We did have a really good year," Jones said. "And we have almost everybody back. We have some really good senior leadership and some good young girls."

Valley finished 14-6 last season, losing in the first round of the Class 5A state tournament. The Hornets are planning to make it back.

"It's going to take good at-bats, staying focused throughout the entire year … and just staying together as a team," said Valley Center's three-year starting catcher, Hayden Francis.

Francis, who was an honorable mention all-Ark Valley Chisholm Trail League II pick last season, is one of four seniors on a team that had just one senior last season.

"Hayden has had a good career here in Valley Center," Jones said. "She's our leader out on that field. She works with our pitchers every day. She keeps them focused. She keeps them mentally tough and really, we need Hayden."

Also key to the Hornet success will be Elena Turner, a senior outfielder who has played on the varsity level since her freshman year. Turner was a second-team all-league selection last year.

Senior Brittany Granger will be a utility player for the Hornets and Abby Meyer will play in the outfield.

The Hornets' fortunes, however, begin in the pitching circle, where Valley Center will have perhaps the league's best combination of throwers.

Kaylee Burnett and Ashlyn Jacobs, both juniors, return after starting all last year. Jacobs was a first-team pitcher, while Burnett was a first-team first baseman.

"They've gotten stronger," Jones said. "Their pitching is in good shape. They pitched all summer. They're only juniors, but they have a lot of experience. … Having them back is a big benefit for us."

Familiar faces return to the solid Hornet infield, where sophomore Ashley Thorne (an honorable mention all-league pick last year) will be at third base, Taylor Rowley (second-team all-league) at short and LaTaylah Perez (second-team) at second.

When Jacobs pitches, Burnett will play first. Jacobs will play first when Burnett pitches.

Wylie Glover, a junior, will anchor the outfield at centerfield. Glover was an all-state pick as a sophomore.

Turner, Granger and Meyer also will be in the outfield.

Offensively, Jones said the team has been hitting well in the preseason.

Valley Center welcomed a new assistant coach to the ranks. Corey Carter, a Valley Center High School graduate, will assist Dave Friess with the junior varsity squad.

Danny Park, a longtime varsity assistant, left to be the head coach of the Newton High School softball team.

"We're very excited for him," Jones said.

Kyrie Edwards will be varsity assistant.

Jones said his team was looking forward to getting the season started.

"It's really setting up for a chance to have a pretty good year," he said.

Jones was co-coach of the year in the league last season. He said he expects the league schedule to be as difficult as ever.

"Everybody reloads every year," he said, specifically mentioning Goddard, Maize South and Andover Central. "You have to play good every night or you're going to get beat."

Valley started the season with non-league games at Derby this week. After a doubleheader at Hutchinson April 5, the Hornets will begin league play against Andover Central on the road April 12.






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