The 2016 Lady Eagles Softball team has had a spectacular season. Coach Stacy Beckley has led her team to a 15-8-1 record in the regular season. This will be Beckley’s final year as the Fair Grove Softball Coach and so far the season has been very successful.
Beckley had a great team behind her for her final season those players being “Every kid was important to our success this season,” Beckley stated.
Coach Beckley had a goodseason with 15 wins but one game that really stuck out to her was when her team picked up a win over the Stockton Lady Tigers. The girls fought throughout the game and picked up the game win and 3rd place in the Marionville Tournament.
Even though Coach Tara Whetzell will be taking over the team next year Beckley is looking forward to next year. “We have an amazing set of Juniors and Sophomores,” Beckley stated. She expects current sophomores Jordan Coddington and Shyan Proctor to be contributing factors in the infield and pitching and junior Lorin Weaver to continue to do well at catcher. She also expects the freshman Ella Hymes to be a great addition to the outfield. Beckley says that the returning players need to work on confidence for next year. “They really don’t know how good they are!” Beckley exclaimed.
Many players received district honors, including Haley Stallings (12) received 2nd team all-district infield, Makenna Hill (12) was awarded 2nd team all-district outfield, and Shyan Proctor (10) who received first team all-district pitcher. Lorin Weaver (11) received 1st team all-district catcher, Cailey Barnes (11) was awarded 1st team all-district utility player, Taylor Bell (10) received 1st team all-district outfielder, and finally Jordan Coddington (10) received 1st team all-district infielder and 2nd team all-district pitcher.
The Lady Eagles ended their season in the second game of districts with a loss to Mt. Vernon. Although this was Beckley’s final season, she said she was at peace knowing that her team is in good hands next year with new head coach Tara Whetzell and returning assistant coach Cayse Overstreet.