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2023 Bethel University Softball Season Preview

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McKENZIE (February 2023) — The Bethel Lady Wildcats softball team is excited for another successful season of competition in the ever strong, Mid-South Conference. Coach John Weeks enters his 6th season (101-106) at the helm for the Lady Wildcats. Last year the Lady Cats finished 22-28 overall with a 12-20 conference record. Of the 20 losses, 10 were by two runs or fewer and 16 of the 20 losses were to teams that made the opening rounds, with three teams finishing 10th (Webber), 5th (Freed Hardeman), and 2nd (Mobile) in the NAIA Softball National Championship.
This season’s schedule is no less challenging with a total of 17 games versus teams ranked or receiving votes in the Preseason Top 25 Poll. Key non-conference early matchups include Tennessee Wesleyan (9th), William Carey (11th), Texas A&M-Texarkana (RV), Columbia (16), and Mount Mercy (RV). The conference foes are equally as daunting with an important three-game series at Freed Hardeman (5th) and home series match-ups with foe Lindsey Wilson (RV) and University of the Cumberlands (24th).
This year’s team returns 13 players and seven starters. Alexa Thrasher, Alexis Wheeler, Emma Johnson, and Maria Murdaugh will provide stability and power for the offense. These players combined for 82 RBI’s last year. Seniors Kalani Kuroda and Kennedy Gillespie will add depth and power to a lineup looking for productivity. Leah Beasley returns as a potential leadoff hitter and offers speed and power from the left side of the dish. Kirsten Eversole, Brynn Browder and Lauren Reimsnyder will offer depth and special skills for productivity. Jezabelle Quintana returns after a short absence to offer seasoned experience with an offensive mindset built on productivity. Newcomers showing glimpses of greatness this fall include Miranda Carnell, Amber Osborne, Kinsley Caruthers, Madison Carey, Jada Wynn, Anna Robinson, Mikayla Vincent and Hailey Cooner who all could see action on offense. Mid-season transfer Abby Alton has shown big swing potential along with deceptive speed and athleticism. The Lady Wildcats will be looking to improve offensively after posting a .293 batting average.

Defensively, the outfield will be anchored by returners Thrasher and Murdaugh while several others are vying for the third spot. There are several options on the infield with Beasley, Eversole, Gillespie, Johnson, and Wheeler. Those are the returners from last season. Quintana has the ability to play third or first and transfer Alton offers the same option. Newcomers to the infield are Carnell and Osborne that have shown a good connection playing side by side. Cooner and Wynn could also see action on the infield.
Returning to the arsenal are Maddi Locke, Kalani Kuroda and Lauren Reimsnyder. Returners Kaylie McKinley and Lily Johnson are coming off injuries but could see action late in the season. Freshman Kinsley Caruthers has shown a lot of potential and growth from the fall.
“I have enjoyed the additional time provided by the hiring of Coach Gadi. It has allowed me to spend more time with our pitching staff and build a better relationship. I am very proud of their approach and understanding of the job that is required and needed from each of them. We look forward to watching all their hard work pay off for them and our team. The energy and atmosphere surrounding this team is very different from teams in the past. I am excited to see them play. Go Lady Wildcats.”
Coach Weeks is assisted by 1st-year assistant coach, Gadier Charriez. Charriez was a standout baseball player for two years with the Bethel Wildcats baseball team. Coach Weeks states, “Coach Gadi’s excitement and energy have been tremendous since his arrival. His investment and commitment to excellence create an atmosphere the players have responded well to. The technical skill sets he possesses will be instrumental in the overall success of this team and the development of our program. I am very excited about the opportunity to coach with Coach Charriez and believe that he may have been the one piece of the puzzle we have been missing.”