2024 Softball Season Preview

Erik Holth, CBC Sports Information Director

            Conway, Ark. – Coming off a 34-18 season where they finished third in the American Midwest Conference tournament, the 2024 season for Central Baptist College softball begins tomorrow at the Louisiana Christian University Play Day in Pineville, La. CBC opens the season with Dillard tomorrow at 11 a.m. and also plays Arlington Baptist at 4 p.m. The season-opening tournament wraps on Saturday with games against #7 Our Lady of the Lake and Texas College.

            "Practice has been going okay, but it's been tough to get outside because of the weather," said third-year head coach Keith Hinson. "We looked pretty good in our first intersquad scrimmage. I feel good about the team. They have the right mindset and we are ready to play ball."

            The Mustangs return 17 players for last year's squad, led by seniors Ysabella Esquivel, AMC All-Tournament team selection Lauren Anderson, Madeline Bruce, Savannah Sanford, Mallory Reynolds, Aubrey Jackson, Gracie Keathley and second-team all-conference selections last year Jordyn Frederic and Hannah Work. Also included are reigning AMC Freshman of the Year Kori Truelove, Alex Jeter, Caroline Byers, Allie McWhorter, Baylie Ainsworth, Madalyn Tubbs, Olivia Pickard, Kylie Germann and Sydney Weiser. "Our outfield is going to be really solid with our three seniors, Ysa, Madeline and Jordyn," added Hinson. "We have a lot of power and a lot of speed, which makes for a good mix."

            A crop of 13 newcomers join the Mustangs this season, with transfers Anna Marie Sternisha, Abi West and Liv Lowery joined by freshmen Elizabeth Stoufer, Corina Garcia, Cailyn Baser, Madisyn Lindstrom, Emmalee Cook, Kayla O'Kelley, Dakota Hobson, Isabella Sawyers, Keely Hoffman and Kinley Johnson. "Our freshmen pitchers have looked really good," said Hinson. "Kinley was offensive player of the year in her conference in Texas last season. Elizabeth offers a lot of speed in both the outfield and on the bases. I feel really comfortable with what we have across the board."

            50 games make up the Mustangs schedule, including a pair of games against top-25 teams and a rematch with defending conference tournament champion Columbia, who comes to Conway on April 12 while the Mustangs will go to Cottey on April 19 for a rematch with the reigning regular season champions. Senior Day will take place on April 13^th against the Stephens Stars. "Our Lady of the Lake will be a good matchup for us," said Hinson. "There are a lot of good teams in those opening tournaments so I'm excited about that."

            The Mustangs were picked to finish fourth in a very strong league, behind defending champs Columbia and Cottey and Missouri Baptist. "The AMC is going to be a good conference," added Hinson. "The only thing that matters is how you finish the season and that's what we are focused on, playing each game and not looking too far ahead."

            The home opener is on Feb. 16 against Dallas Christian. Coach Hinson invited everyone to come watch some exciting softball: "We will be a lot stronger on offense. I think we will hit the ball a lot harder and score a lot more runs and our pitching staff is more solid from top to bottom. I'm excited about our team this year!"