Finally, the wait is over. While baseball was already able to enjoy the new home turf field, softball is now reaping the benefit from the $14.75 million bond issue that was passed in April of  2017. 

The new field is all turf–infield and outfield–and  has a grand stand with stadium seats behind home plate.

Head coach Wayne Montgomery said, “The turf field is nice. Not having to worry about weather as much and not needing to drag a field saves a lot of time for us. We get a lot more accomplished because we always have a field that is ready to go.” 

Last year, the Owls were 12-11, but star player Jessica Veselske has since graduated. However, the Owls return the majority of last year’s team. 

Players such as Alyssa Copeland, Piper Montgomery, Delana Mentel, Gabby Dueing, Payton Irwin, Emma Pouvaranukoah,  Lacie Pruett and a few others will lead the way.

“Who I expect to lead us this season is Piper (Montgomery) because she leads by example through her hitting and fielding and when she messes up, which is very rare, she just picks herself up and does well the next time,” Pouvaranukoah said. 

Montgomery expects several girls to step up for the team. 

 “Delana Mentel will provide us with a solid pitcher on the mound. Piper Montgomery, Gabby Dueing, and Payton Irwin received all conference honors last year, so we expect big things from them again this year,” Montgomery said. 

The Owls began their season yesterday in a 10-1 loss at Sullivan. The Owls next play at 4:30 pm on Monday at Perryville. Their first home game is at 4:30 pm on Tuesday against Jefferson R7. 

The Owls are seeking their first district championship in over a decade. They also hope to win conference, which they last won in 2015. 

“Every year you get to see the players grow as the season goes on. I think that’s the thing I enjoy most. We have 15 girls that can contribute to us having a good season. They all have certain skills that, if utilized right, we will produce a lot of runs,” Montgomery said.