Lots of talent returns for Marshall softball

An experienced lineup for the Marshall Academy softball team brings high hopes in 2021.

The Lady Patriots begin a new season August 3 at home versus rival Magnolia Heights.

The roster includes eight seniors, including six who played on last year’s Class 3A state runner-up squad.

“Those six came up short in the state championship series last year, and they hope to have a different outcome this year,” said head coach Carlton Gibson.

Carlie Vannucci and Hallie Turner will lead the way from the pitcher’s circle, he said, and Christa Schultz and Zoey Rippee will be big role players again this year. Evelyn Greer, primarily used as a runner, will bring a lot of experience to the group, Gibson said, and Macy Sloan was a late transfer last year.

Those six seniors will be joined by two transfers, catcher Natalie Shaw and utility player Meredith Anthony, who he said will “have an immediate impact.”

The lone sophomore on the MA team is Kamdyn Taylor, “who will have a huge role this year and hold down the hot corner at third,” Gibson said.

The outfield will be commanded by returning freshman Landry Loper, according to the head coach, plus freshman Emma Michael “has worked hard and is showing a lot of improvement.”

Gibson said the Lady Patriots have a strong group of underclassmen.

“Eighth grader Eliza Cavender gives us depth at the pitching position and shows some promise as a pinch hitter, while eighth graders Charlie Johnson, Gracie Rappa and Luci Tomlinson give us lots of options to fill holes where needed,” he said.

The team also includes one new seventh grader, Morgan Bennett, and a sixth grader, Rylyn Gray.

Marcus Moore and Wayne Vannucci will again serve as assistant coaches.

Marshall Academy finished 30-11 last season.

Its last state championship in softball came in 2017.

MA plays in the Copiah Tournament August 7.

The Lady Patriots’ schedule for the Copiah Tournament includes — 12 noon versus Amite School Center, 1:30 p.m. Versus Jackson Prep, and 4:30 p.m. Hartfield. Games will be played at the Magee Sports Complex.