WORTON — There’s a story within a story, Kent County High School head softball coach Michelle Phillips said when asked to assess the team’s 0-3 start.
“There’s been positives and negatives,” Phillips said matter-of-factly.
The Trojans are still committing too many errors, especially on what could be described as routine plays, Phillips said, but the players’ energy and enthusiasm levels are high and across the board they are diligently working on sharpening the fundamental skills of the game.
After back-to-back losses by shutout to Mardela and Colonel Richardson to open the season, KCHS broke through with the first three runs of the game at St. Michaels on March 27. Kate Cannon, Paige Miller, Laila Johnson, Michelle Menequin and Talicia Wright provided the punch at the plate, and Menequin had a no-hitter going through the first couple of innings as Kent County pulled ahead, 3-0.
That’s why Phillips can say confidently, “If the girls can just do the basics and continue to put the ball in play on offense, the outcome will change.”
For the second year in a row, KCHS is fielding a varsity-only program.
All but one underclassman from last season’s two-win campaign has returned, and there are only four newcomers, so Phillips has a relatively experienced group to work with — but they’re still young.
There are four seniors on the 13-player roster, led by two-time team MVP Kate Cannon.
Cannon is “that player who will play where she is needed,” according to Phillips.
The other seniors are infielder/outfielder Madisyn Raleigh, outfielder Heather Bilbrough and catcher Paige Miller.
Returning juniors are first baseman Laila Johnson and versatile Michelle Menequin, who will pitch and play the infield and outfield.
There are four sophomores: infielder/outfielder Macie Cannan and returnees Ariyana Green (infield), Aaryona Wesley (outfield) and Talicia Wright (infield and outfield).
The freshmen are Julie Dickerson, who started in the circle in each of the first two games, first baseman/outfielder Alicia Kennard and outfielder Amiah Moore.
“This year the team will work to develop a solid defense to support our pitchers,” Phillips told The Evening Enterprise in an email. “Many players will be in different positions to add strength to our defense.”
Phillips noted that several players do not have varsity-level high school experience, but “are working hard and are dedicated and committed to playing.”
It’s spring and athletes are at the mercy of Mother Nature. Already, two games have been rescheduled because of rain.
Weather and field conditions permitting, KCHS is at home tomorrow (Thursday, April 3) against North Dorchester and Monday, April 7 against Easton. Both games begin at 4 p.m.
