The Press-Dispatch

Lady Chargers are 'solid and full of talent' By Kenzie Rudolph It is hard to put into words what the 2020 spring senior athletes tru- ly missed out on, but Pike Central High School softball coach Stepha- nie Dawson hit the nail on the head when putting herself in the shoes of her players. She knows that they, of course, lost their softball season, but a lot of life experiences as well. "Every sport season is important to an athlete, but as a senior who par- ticipates in a spring sport…it's just a little extra bittersweet as things re- ally come to a close," said Dawson. The 2020 seniors were exact- ly what you'd want from a coach- ing standpoint. Girls who knew and loved the game. Dawson also men- tioned that their families were really involved within the program as well. She added, "I just can't imagine the way they must have felt. We all had to accept it and do what was best for the big picture, but it still hurt for them." Looking back to 2019's season… Dawson believes that they ended it on a high note, despite the loss in sectional. She explained that things started to "click" for the team, and she was "sad to see those 2020 se- niors be stripped of their chance to use that momentum in their final year." She wanted to add that her, the team and the parents were all very proud of Karsyn Pipes, Aubrie Dawson, Alize Padgett and Lauren Vaughn…and that it is hard to not to wonder "what could have been." Dawson added, "Those four girls, plus Alexis Englert (who graduated a semester early), will always have PC softball rooting for them in life." For this 2021 spring season, Daw- son will coach with the new help and guidance of Alexa Schooler (Kluem- per) and Sydney Brooks, both former teammates of hers who she'd take in- to battle any day. She described them as "two of the best competitors I've ever played with." "They bring not only softball knowledge to the group, but grit and support for the girls that they under- stand from first-hand experience." Dawson believes that her team this spring is "solid" and "full of tal- ent." Seniors Mallory Hickey, Xia Staf- ford and Kenzie Powell are "large pieces to the puzzle," according to Dawson. Dawson will use Hickey to "hold down the fort" at first base. "She is reliable, plays the position with confidence and will lead the team with her big bat as well," said Dawson. Powell will pitch and play second base. Dawson trusts her fully and appreciates her offensive power as well. Stafford can be found behind the plate catching. Dawson added, "She is loud and we rely on her to control the field and call the pitches." Charger softball has a "triple threat," according to Dawson, which consists of Lexie Onyett, Karley Ka- vanaugh and Brailey Mills. She ex- pects them to step into huge varsi- ty roles as freshmen at third base, shortstop, centerfield and catcher. Dawson is excited to use their ex- perience to the team's advantage, as they have been playing travel ball year-round. "They're physically very strong kids, with an even better mental ap- proach to the game. Their softball in- stincts are impressive," added Daw- son eagerly. Injuries have been a factor with- in the mix of this team, and Dawson is ready to see Avery Hunt, Alyna Sharp and Hallie Bailey back on the dirt. She added that these girls will bring "chaos" to any opponents in their wake, with Bailey at third, and Sharp and Hunt in the out- field. More young blood ben- efits the team. Chloe Wil- liams will pitch and fill in at third base. "She has control mental- ly and physically and will add a lot of diversity," said Dawson. According to Dawson, Kenzie and Brynn Hill- yard have different pitch- ing speeds and will be effec- tive on the mound. Madelyn Fiscus could be dangerous as well, as she is "extremely versa- tile," said Dawson. "Her bat is strong and she's a smart base runner as well." Several athletes will share time between JV and varsity. Dawson is looking forward to speed from Tes- sa Vinnedge, Delaney Welch, Macy Stilwell and Amilia Ahner. She added that they "offer a lot of options for us to think about as far as base-running and filling in spots in the outfield." She is trying to instill within her players' minds that every member on the team can contribute something. Dawson is happy with how practices have been going so far and says that energy is high. She preaches that fundamentals are key, and that it is not okay to cut corners…"doing the simple stuff as hard as they do the tough stuff. We want the girls to un- derstand that the monotonous skill work we try to cover every day does make a difference in the long run." She gave examples getting a bunt down, knowing where to throw the ball at all times and footwork. "(These are) all of the things that seem to drag on in practice, but could make or break the game in a split second." Daw- son knows that not seeing competition last year has its challenges and discomforts, but she is strong-rooted and confi- dent of her team. "I'd take the odds of our freshman and sophomores up against any oth- er group of newcomers, any day, so we aren't really concerned about the unknown too much." Goal-wise for the team: They want it all. "We have our eyes set on the big prizes. We want the sectional tro- phy, the conference title, the big winning record," explained Daw- son. She added that the girls are ca- pable of going as far as they allow themselves. She thinks that their expectations should be high. She ended with, "To bring it down a notch, though, we are going to continue working all year long on team communication on the field, swinging at good pitches and mak- ing every out for our opponent hard- earned." The Pike Central High School 2021 Lady Charger softball team members are, front row (l to r): senior Mallory Hickey, Kenzie Powell and Xia Stafford; second row: Coach Sydney Brooks, Coach Stephanie Dawson, Brynn Hillyard, Sophie Carnahan, Avery Hunt, Hallie Bailey and Coach Alexa Schooler; third row: Madelyn Fiscus, Del- aney Welch, Alzyna Sharp, Chloe Williams, Tess Vinnedge, Amelia Ahren, Sienna Nowark and Chloe Willis; back row: Lorih Hummer, Karley Kavanaugh, Macey Still- well, Lexie Onyett, Haylie Fulcher, Jaydyn Gogel and Brailey Mills. James Capozella photo Xia Stafford Mallory Hickey Kenzie Powell We have our eyes set on the big prizes. We want the sectional trophy, the conference title, the big winning record." Coach Stephanie Dawson The Press-Dispatch PCHS Spring Sports Preview Wednesday, March 24, 2021 D-7 Gregory K. Willis, CPA Carla D. Willis, CPA 705 E. MAIN ST., PETERSBURG (812) 354-6274 Fax: (812) 354-6974 Members American Institute of Certified Public Accountants • Indiana CPA Society Willis & Company, p.C. CERTIFIED PUBLIC aCCOUNTaNTS & CONSULTaNTS GO Chargers 812-354-9670 DOUBLE J COLLISION CENTER 350 W. MAIN, PETERSBURG Hwy. 57, south of town Get your vehicle repaired at Double J. PLAY IT SAFE HOURS: MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY: 8 A.M. - 5 P.M.

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