2021 Spring Season Preview

A COVID-19 shortened 2020 season has added extra motivation to the 2021 Wolves softball squad. The Wolves last doubleheader in 2020 left a bad taste in their mouth, and with almost eleven months in-between games and a modified fall season in which no games against outside competition were held, the current team is hungry to get back into game action.

The pitching staff will be led by Katie Cook (Raytown, MO), the only returning pitcher. In the shortened 2020 season, Cook showed poise on the mound, leading the Wolves in wins and complete games, as well as tossing the only shutout of the season. Freshmen Karah Dunham (Weston, MO) and Korbin Harris (Smithville, MO) will be expected to contribute right away, and sophomore Savannah Carter (Lee's Summit, MO) will see some innings as well.

Freshmen highlight the infield as only first baseman Carter returns from 2020's starting infield. Carter started nine games and hit .172 in 2020. A pair of infielders from Grain Valley High School, first baseman Keely Hill (Grain Valley, MO) and second/third baseman Alexis Parra (Grain Valley, MO), along with third baseman Caitlin Carder (Excelsior Springs, MO), utility infielder Bridget Knipp (Tonganoxie, KS), shortstop Kaley Kumpf (Kansas City, MO), and shortstop Kiana Williams (Higginsville, MO) will battle for playing time on the dirt. Harris and Dunham also have experience in the infield, but will be counted on more in the pitching circle.

In the outfield, sophomores dominate with returning starters Masyn Burnsides (Savannah, MO) and Chiane Harlan (Jamestown HS). Burnsides led MCC in hits and runs, and hit .328 in 2020, and Harlan was second on the team in walks and led the team in stolen bases. Joining them is sophomore Joci Williams (Lawson, MO), a former shortstop who stepped into a starting role in the outfield when Harlan went down with an injury last season. Transfer from Southwestern CC Riley Hammontree (Blue Springs, MO) and freshman Abby Brancato (Liberty, MO) also will roam the outfield grass.

Freshman Lany Anderson (Blue Springs, MO) and sophomore Miranda Mynatt (Kansas City, MO) will be behind the dish this season. Mynatt spent last season rehabbing an injury and is back at 100%, and Anderson brings a strong arm and athleticism to the position.

Unlike past years, no games were played this fall, and with a pared back fall practice schedule, the Wolves are fresh and working hard. Several intersquad games in the fall helped give the coaching staff a glimpse of what they will see come spring and provided competition among the players.

The always tough Region XVI schedule includes a home and away double header against each opponent, and a modified regional tournament due to COVID-19 will determine who moves on to the District Championship.