With a solid core of returning seniors, the Mehlville girls softball team is focused on a winning season and a run through the district playoffs.
“We didn’t graduate anyone, so we return our core this season,” Mehlville head coach Tim Ode said. “I believe our mental game is stronger, and we have a shot to win just about any game that we’re playing. This group of girls has won more games than pretty much any other Mehlville class in the last 20-plus years.”
Senior Lilly Douglas returns to the pitching circle for the 2024 campaign and will be one of the critical pieces to the Panther’s success. Last season, Douglas went 6-13 overall with a 3.12 earned run average. One impressive stat that Douglas had last year was that she racked up 201 strikeouts over 19 games.
“When Lilly has the ball, we believe that we have a shot to win,” Ode said. ‘She comes into the season well rested and with a full tank of gas, so to speak. I’m looking for her to dominate in the circle this season.”
Another senior to watch is shortstop Rylie Harper. In 2023, Harper batted .340 with 13 runs batted in (RBI).
“Rylie just came off a national championship with her club team this past summer,” Ode said. “She’s one of our offensive leaders, and we plan on having her hit in the heart of our order.”
Senior Morgan Ulrich will command center field and could be another offensive threat in Mehlville’s lineup. Last year, Ulrich batted .313 with six RBI and three stolen bases.
“Morgan will probably split time between center field and behind the plate,” Ode said.
“She always finds a way to get on base and I feel pretty comfortable with her in center field this season.”
Sophomore Kaylee Rodis will see a lot of time behind the plate after batting .255 with 11 RBI in 2023.
“Kaylee probably has more energy than our entire team combined,” Ode said. “She’s also a track athlete that will see a lot of time at the top of our batting order. She threw out three runners last year behind the plate which makes us pretty solid up the middle.”
Ode also sees freshmen Abbigail and Izzy Dollens in the starting lineup.
“They can play pretty much everywhere on the diamond,” Ode said. “They’re going to be our go-to in case we need to move players around in the lineup.”